Brussels, my love? Israel-Iran war creates new layers of anxiety for EU

Published on 21/06/2025 - 7:00 GMT+2

In nan basking seat

We are joined this week by nan Lithuanian MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius from nan Greens, Spanish Socialist MEP Hana Jalloul Muro and Italian centre correct MEP Herbert Dorfmann from South Tyrol.

Middle East escalation - nan EU connected nan broadside lines?

The sheet bespeak connected nan ongoing Israel-Iran warfare that has dominated nan news this week. An emergency statement was held successful Strasbourg successful nan beingness of EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. She warned MEPs that nan US should not get progressive successful nan conflict, arsenic it could resistance nan full Middle East into a wider much vulnerable predicament.

Kaja Kallas besides told MEPs this week that nan ongoing Israel-Iran warfare should not overshadow nan plight of Palestinians successful Gaza. Virginijus Sinkevičius fears nan warfare could resistance on.

"I spot that nan business is not going to beryllium resolved easily, because I deliberation Israel has taken a decision. The large mobility now is what could beryllium nan consequences."

As MEPs were gathered successful Strasbourg, an EU overseas ministers gathering took spot successful Brussels this week and 17 of nan 27 personnel states backed a move to reappraisal nan EU-Israel relation agreement—pushing a process that began pinch nan Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland. The woody was sealed successful 1995 and came into unit successful 2000.

Herbert Dorfmann said his group is against suspending nan EU-Israel Association Agreement.

"I deliberation this doesn't make consciousness successful this moment. We request to further activity connected a negotiated basis," he said.

China - a friend aliases foe for nan EU?

The sheet besides discussed nan EU China acme that will return spot astatine nan extremity of July. Brussels hopes nan juncture will supply amended entree to Chinese uncommon earths and captious minerals.

All MEPs agreed nan EU and China should beryllium friends but that a level playing section was a necessity.

"Access to our marketplace is simply a privilege," Virginijus Sinkevičius said adding that China should play by nan aforesaid rules.

"We request to beryllium intelligent and person leadership," said Hana Jalloul Muro.

Banning societal media nether 15 - A bully call?

Finally, MEPs chewed complete French President Macron's calls to prohibition societal media for under-15's successful France. Greece and Spain are besides trying to push for much EU action connected this topic.

However, each 3 politicians agreed that acquisition was cardinal and an outright prohibition whitethorn not person desired effects.

"Well, bully luck!! Is it really up to nan authorities to do that?" Herbert Dorfmann quipped.

Watch "Brussels, my love?" successful nan subordinate above.