From Iran to Ukraine: Europe More Isolated Than Ever
Tehran - BORNA - The European Union, which once dreamed of becoming a global power on par with the United States, is now more marginalized from international developments than at any other time.
Today, the vision of a "United Europe" in the sphere of foreign policy has faded more than ever under the shadow of security dependence on the U.S. and internal disagreements among its members.
This trend has accelerated with the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Trump's foreign policy, based on the slogan "America First" and the principle of "Peace Through Strength," has left little room for Europe's independent role.
While the previous U.S. administration led by Joe Biden emphasized strengthening transatlantic cooperation, the current administration has practically chosen a path of divergence, sidelining Washington's European allies from many global equations.
Humiliation in Sharm el-Sheikh and Observer in Ukraine
The symbol of this change in approach can be seen in Trump’s behavior at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit on Gaza, where his interactions with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, were not merely ceremonial. Rather, they carried a clear message of political disregard for Europe.
Foreign Policy magazine, in an analysis, wrote that with these showy behaviors, Trump was effectively illustrating the "limits of Europe's influence" in global developments.
Beyond symbols, in the realm of decision-making, Europe has also been relegated to the sidelines. In the Gaza crisis, Washington has taken complete initiative, leaving Europeans merely with the role of observers. Even in more critical issues, such as the return of war to the European continent or the Ukraine conflict, European leaders are mostly awaiting Washington's position rather than pursuing independent initiatives.
Snapback and the End of Role in the Nuclear File
This passivity is also evident in the Iran file. By taking political decisions such as activating the "Snapback" mechanism, Europeans have practically blocked their own path for interaction and role-playing in the nuclear talks.
A European Union official, responding to inquiries about Brussels' future plans regarding Iran, referred to the statement by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, on the return of UN sanctions.
In her statement, Kallas, while accusing Iran of not adhering to its commitments, had said that the return of sanctions should not be seen as the end of diplomacy with Iran.
The return of these sanctions occurred while the three European countries (E3) activated the Snapback under U.S. pressure, playing the role of implementers rather than decision-makers.
Iran had already announced that by implementing the Snapback, the European Union would formally exclude itself from any role in the future of Iran's nuclear file and would no longer have a part in this matter.
Spectator of Global Politics
Europe is in a situation where it has been marginalized from global developments more than ever. Internal disagreements, security dependence on the U.S., and the lack of a cohesive foreign policy strategy have turned the continent into a passive actor.
Trump's return merely uncovered a reality that had been forming for years: Europe, without a strategic will, has turned into a spectator of global politics.
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