Estimated time of reading: ~ 4 minutes

In recent days, most European Union leaders and Institutions have made public statements — mainly through platform X — responding to the growing crisis between Iran and Israel. While the threat of nuclear weapons remains central, the genuine concern is wider: a regional escalation that risks spiralling out of control.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted that “Iran must never acquire the bomb.” She emphasized that “with tensions in the Middle East at a new peak, stability must be the priority,” adding that “the negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, framing them as a threat to international security. She urged all parties involved to de-escalate and resume meaningful diplomatic talks. Her remarks echoed a broader European appeal for restraint and diplomacy. European Council President António Costa voiced alarm over developments in the Middle East and called for moderation and respect for international law, particularly concerning nuclear safety. He stressed that diplomacy must remain the path to peace and stability. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a firmer stance. He urged Iran to begin negotiations with both the United States and Israel without delay. During the G7 summit in Canada, he stirred controversy by stating that “this is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us” — a comment that provoked criticism both internationally and within his political coalition. Meanwhile, France took a more cautious line. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed concern over recent U.S. airstrikes but emphasized that France was neither involved in the operations nor consulted beforehand. He called for moderation and stressed that any long-term solution must adhere to the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. President Emmanuel Macron, after initially framing Israeli actions as legitimate self-defence, later distanced himself from any push for regime change by force, seeking instead to reinvigorate diplomatic engagement. In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened urgent meetings with intelligence and national security officials to assess the crisis. Italian government sources indicated that Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s intention to work toward bringing the parties back to the negotiating table through dialogue with regional and international partners.

The EU is present but struggles to exert influence. The crisis highlights Europe’s longstanding difficulties in foreign policy, including the absence of a unified voice and a persistent need to balance national interests with collective values. Moreover, there is one striking contradiction. Europe rightly calls out Russia for violating international law in Ukraine. But when international norms are at risk in the Middle East, EU leaders are less firm, less united, and more ambiguous.

Once again, such moments are both a challenge and an opportunity. The EU could become a beacon of diplomacy, law, and peace. However, it requires more courage, unity, and clarity. Europe is caught between principles and power, between diplomatic good intentions and geopolitical irrelevance. Its difficulty to speak with one voice reflects deeper institutional limits.

To remain on the map, the EU must go beyond being a commentator. It must become an actor — one that defends peace not only with words but with strategy, a position, and a purpose.

Written by: Cristina Ceccarelli