Stunned, sidelined and disunited': how war in the Middle East paralysed the EU

"Europe can no longer be a custodian for the old-world order and needs a more realistic and interest-driven foreign policy. In a precarious and chaotic world, that could no longer be relied upon. The EU would always defend and uphold the rules-based system but in a precarious and chaotic world, that could no longer be relied upon."

"Despite the frenetic activity, Europe's voice has carried no weight. As Donald Trump zigzags between different war aims in one 24-hour period declaring the conflict very complete, pretty much but we haven't won enough Europe's muted calls for restraint have gone unheeded."

"Brussels has slipped into a starkly paralysed role as mere commentator on the geopolitical upheaval on its Southern flank. In part, the problem is disunity over how to respond, with Spain's prime minister refusing to be complicit while Germany's chancellor said it was not the time to lecture partners and allies on international law."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that Europe can no longer maintain the old-world order and must pursue a more pragmatic foreign policy approach. While the EU continues to defend the rules-based system, the precarious global environment makes reliance on it insufficient. The Middle East conflict demonstrates this reality, with Europe taking various actions including military deployments and humanitarian aid, yet wielding minimal influence. Internal divisions plague the EU response, with Spain's prime minister refusing complicity in actions contradicting European values while Germany's chancellor opposes lecturing allies on international law. EU officials issue generic diplomatic appeals that have drawn criticism from former insiders, who characterize Europe as paralyzed and relegated to mere commentary on geopolitical events affecting its southern border.

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