AP
Brussels
The US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the Middle East are quickly dragging Europe in, forcing the continent into defensive action to protect military bases and evacuate citizens caught up in the conflict.
The Middle East is home to some of Europe’s key trading partners, and a number of strategic trading routes. Many Europeans live in cities such as Beirut, Dubai or Jerusalem, while large communities from countries including Turkey, Egypt and the Gulf states have settled across Europe. Europeans weren’t consulted on this US-Israeli operation but are now dealing with the fallout.
While refusing to directly join the war, Britain, France and Germany have said they would work with the United State to help stop Iran’s attacks. The UK will allow US forces to use British bases to attack Iran’s missiles and launch sites.
But Europe itself is not immune. Cyprus, holder of the European Union’s rotating presidency, had to insist that it was not involved in the conflict after a Shahed-type drone damaged a UK air base on the island’s southern coast over the weekend. The Shaheds were developed by Iran but have already been used in Europe, by Russia in its war on Ukraine.
Wary of other attacks at home, some European countries are also beefing up security at train stations and airports.
Still, almost no European leader has criticised the US-Israeli attacks. Many are satisfied to see the downfall of an Iranian regime that has for years arrested European citizens and challenged Europe’s economic interests.
Spain has been a rare dissenting voice. “One can be against a hateful regime,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Sunday, “and at the same time, be against a military intervention that is unjustifiable, dangerous and outside of international law.”
At the same time, helping to foster stability in the volatile Middle East region is a European priority. Fears over a sustained hike in oil prices, and the possibility of a new wave of unpredictable migration mean that the continent must remain involved.
Europe’s major short-term priority is ensuring the safety of thousands of citizens caught up in the war as it spreads.
Concerns about getting people out were raised during an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers over the weekend. No joint evacuation effort was launched, but one could be needed imminently.
Germany says that about 30,000 German tourists are stuck on cruise ships, in hotels or at closed airports and cannot get back home because of the conflict. Most of them are in the Middle East but some are further afield, stranded because their travel connections run through Abu Dhabi, Qatar or Dubai. A military evacuation was not possible due to airspace closures.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, has sent two planes to Egypt and Jordan to bring home Czech nationals, dozens of whom have traveled by bus from Israel. Another four planes were to be sent to Oman to pick up more of the estimated 6,700 Czechs in the region.
