Opinion: Europe faces a triple global crisis in Gaza, Ukraine and Iran that reflects different facets of the breakdown of international order
By Shamsoddin Shariati and John O' Brennan, Maynooth University
In the past decade, the international order painstakingly built after the horrors of World War II has come under unprecedented assault. Alarmingly, as this order decays, Europe often stands by in a redundant posture, seemingly oblivious to the fact that this unravelling is doing serious damage to its very raison d’être.
Europe faces a triple global crisis that reflects different facets of the breakdown of international order: Gaza, Ukraine and Iran. In each, Europe’s passivity has made the situation worse. When norms are eroded, other actors learn that violations come with no consequences. If Israel can annex land and illegally bomb neighbouring countries without consequence, why shouldn't Russia invade Ukraine? Why shouldn’t China move on Taiwan?
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Shona Murray from Euronews on a meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss potential options to sanction Israel over Gaza war conduct
The EU’s effectiveness in international affairs largely rests on its identity as a 'normative power’ or ‘civilian power’, the very opposite of a ‘hard power actor’ such as the United States. Instead of fielding an army and projecting military power, the EU has flourished as an actor committed to institutionalising and internationalising the norms described in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, including democracy, pluralism, equality and respect for human rights. Failure to uphold these principles damages the EU’s reputation and credibility, both inside the bloc and internationally.
Gaza: Europe's moral blind spot
Nowhere is this unravelling of international norms clearer than in Gaza. Israel’s ongoing genocide, represents a grave violation of international law. For decades, Israel has defied UN resolutions, maintained illegal settlements and dismissed international law. Shielded by US vetoes at the UN Security Council and supported by powerful lobbying groups such as AIPAC, the Israeli government has operated as a rogue state. Trump's enthusiastic backing has only intensified this pattern. Together, they are dismantling not just specific treaties or institutions, but the very idea of international restraint.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Late Debate, Government says Israel's offensive in Gaza is genocide
Yet, Europe’s response has been staggeringly muted. The European Union, for all its rhetoric about human rights and rule of law, has largely stood by and done nothing. Leaders who claim to stand for human rights and international justice have instead offered impunity by omission. This is perhaps the saddest aspect of this unfolding tragedy for an organization founded explicitly in reaction to the crazed ultra-nationalism that fuelled two world wars, built on principles of inter-state cooperation and trust.
Iran: a diplomatic failure
Following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table. This appeal, however, starkly overlooked the fact that Iran had been actively engaged in negotiations with both the US and European partners at the very moment the attacks occurred. Such a statement not only ignored the gross illegality of the strikes but also hollowed out the EU’s credibility, effectively aligning it more with aggressors than with those defending international norms.
Iran has now ceased cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and is reportedly preparing to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). If that happens, other countries will follow suite, and the consequences for Europe could be immense. A collapse of the non-proliferation regime would increase the likelihood of nuclear weapons spreading throughout Europe’s southern and eastern periphery, from the Middle East to Eastern Europe.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Middle East correspondent Borzou Daragahi on the stability of the Middle East as a ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Iran
Ukraine: a test of European resolve
Ukraine remains the most immediate test of Europe’s resolve. If Russia is allowed to keep any portion of Ukrainian territory gained through war, it will set a global precedent. The withdrawal of all American financial and military support for Kyiv means Europeans will have to exclusively shoulder the burden of helping Ukraine defend itself.
Trump’s threat to abandon NATO, and his general disdain for any potentially encumbering international agreements throws significant doubt on the commitment of the US to NATO’s Article 5—the alliance’s mutual defence clause. Europe must prepare for a world in which the US is no longer a reliable ally. Europe cannot afford to remain dependent on American security guarantees while Washington toys with authoritarianism and isolationism.
From RTÉ's Behind the Story podcast, the team are joined by Prof Donnacha Ó Beacháin from DCU to discuss Putin's territorial ambitions and if there is any possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine
Europe's path forward from here
A strategic reset for Europe is imperative, demanding a significant increase in defence spending and a concerted effort to achieve greater strategic and security autonomy from the US. A key component of this autonomy involves enhancing its own nuclear deterrence, which necessitates deeper cooperation between France, the UK, and the EU.
Europe must also act independently to secure peace in Gaza. Continuing to support Israel uncritically is both morally indefensible and politically reckless. The EU should push for an immediate ceasefire, commit to reconstruction and support accountability mechanisms for all sides, including investigations into war crimes.
On Iran, diplomacy must be revived and not abandoned. Airstrikes will not address Iran’s nuclear programme and regime change is not an option; only sustained diplomatic engagement can change the dial. Europe should support Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear programme, including enrichment, as recognised by international law and the NPT and JCPOA agreemenrs. Only a comprehensive diplomatic effort can help to avoid pushing the region into further chaos, and the survival of the NPT regime and European security depends on it.
Europe must actively cultivate its role as a dependable partner for nations seeking stability in an increasingly unpredictable world
Moreover, Europe must actively cultivate its role as a dependable partner for nations seeking stability in an increasingly unpredictable world. This involves strengthening existing alliances and forging new relationships with countries particularly vulnerable to the current disorder, such as Ukraine, Canada, Mexico,Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and other fragile Middle Eastern states.
A consolidated European defence capability will further enable the continent to offer meaningful security guarantees to these countries, who need more reliable partners as US foreign policy becomes potentially even more chaotic. By solidifying these ties, Europe can begin to form new coalitions and lead an effort for upholding the rule of law and collective security.
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Shamsoddin Shariati is a PhD researcher in the Department of Sociology at Maynooth University, where he holds a John & Pat Hume Doctoral Award. Prof John O'Brennan is a professor of European politics in the Department of Sociology at Maynooth University. He holds the Jean Monnet Chair in European Integration and is Director of the Maynooth Centre for European and Eurasian Studies
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
