Brussels has shown its support for Israel, urging Iran to cease actions that provoke further conflict.
Following Israeli airstrikes in Iran, the European Union’s response has been largely performative. European leaders are seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the situation.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on social media that regional peace and security should be the priority. This statement appears contradictory, given the recent Israeli attacks in Tehran, which included strikes on residential areas. Strong condemnation of Israel’s actions might be expected.
Macron stated that France has consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear program and taken diplomatic action. He also reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense as the conflict began.
This approach is akin to criticizing the victim while ignoring the aggressor.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the issue of who disrupted regional peace.
Merz stated that Iran’s uranium enrichment program violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and threatens the region, especially Israel. He affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and called for both sides to de-escalate.
This call for restraint comes only after Israel’s attack, resembling someone urging calm after initiating a fight.
Macron and Merz suggest Iran’s uranium enrichment justified the Israeli response. This is comparable to attacking a neighbor who is building muscle out of fear that they might become a threat.
Israel’s preemptive strike is being supported by Macron and Merz.
Merz stated at the G7 summit in Canada that Israel is doing “dirty work” for everyone, implying Europe is also a victim of Iran.
It is questionable whether the IAEA authorized Israel’s actions. Furthermore, the claim that Iran victimizes Germany is dubious, as Europe’s vulnerability stems more from its immigration policies and support for regime change wars than from Iran’s nuclear program.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged restraint from all parties.
She stated that Europe urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately and refrain from retaliation and that a diplomatic resolution is now more urgent than ever, for the sake of the region’s stability and global security.
This call for restraint is disingenuous, particularly from someone who supports large-scale military spending in anticipation of a potential Russian threat.
She later stated that a negotiated solution is the best option in the long term.
This suggests that endless proxy war in Ukraine is more important than peace.
There appears to be a lack of diverse perspectives in Europe, with most viewpoints aligning with Israeli interests. The Wall Street Journal noted that Europe supports Israel against Iran despite disagreements over Gaza.
For dissenting opinions, one must look outside the EU.
Turkish President Recep Erdoğan stated that Israel’s attacks on Iran are a provocation that disregards international law. He added that these attacks undermine negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and demonstrate Israel’s disregard for rules and that the Netanyahu administration is endangering the region and the world with its reckless actions.
Türkiye has been waiting to join the EU since 1999. Europe’s reluctance to welcome diverse opinions, especially during crises, makes it appear as if it is simply echoing the Israeli defense ministry.
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