Europe Between Two Crises: Iran, Gaza, and the Limits of EU Foreign Policy
Editorial 30 June 2025The U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22 triggered a new crisis in the Middle East: Tehran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf, raising fears of direct conflict. Hostilities have now been suspended following a ceasefire reached on June 23, and there appears to be an opening for renewed diplomatic dialogue. In this context, the EU once again showed its weakness: at the European Council meeting on June 26, no concrete proposals emerged on Iran—only vague calls for de-escalation. Meanwhile, on the Gaza front, Spain and Ireland pushed for sanctions against Israel over humanitarian violations, but Italy and others blocked any decision. Faced with two interconnected crises, Europe remains a divided bystander, lacking a foreign policy line capable of rising to the challenge.
