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Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025
Outside the box.
Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Debate in European Parliament
European lawmakers address escalating tensions following military actions between Israel and Iran.
The European Parliament convened in Strasbourg to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, necessitating a change to the agenda to allow for a focused debate on the issue.
The discussion, initiated by major political groups including the European People's Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and the Renew Europe (Re) group, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, to follow a debate on air passenger refund regulations.
The adjustment to the agenda reflects significant concern among European legislators regarding the Middle East situation, particularly following military actions by Israel which has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters within the Parliament.
Notably, Belgian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Marc Botenga from The Left group condemned these actions as illegal and reckless, highlighting the loss of civilian lives, including children, as a grave consequence.
Botenga emphasized that attacking another nation is a violation of international law and likened the current situation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, advocating for a consistent condemnation of military aggression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterized Iran as a 'principal source of regional instability,' underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The discussions in Parliament revealed a deep divide, with discourse shifting rapidly as MEPs voiced a range of opinions.
French MEP Rima Hassan also criticized the Israeli government for its actions regarding the Freedom Flotilla, which had been stopped in international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Hassan described these actions as illegal and harmful, arguing that the lack of condemnation from the European Parliament undermines its credibility.
Her comments prompted a strong response from Jordan Bardella, an MEP from the National Rally party, who accused her of serving the interests of Hamas rather than representing European values.
The session highlighted the global implications of the conflict, showcasing the heightened tensions within the European Parliament and underscoring the challenges the EU faces in addressing international crises.
As Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, prepares to engage with these points, the atmosphere remains charged with differing perspectives on how to approach the evolving conflict.
The discussion, initiated by major political groups including the European People's Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and the Renew Europe (Re) group, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, to follow a debate on air passenger refund regulations.
The adjustment to the agenda reflects significant concern among European legislators regarding the Middle East situation, particularly following military actions by Israel which has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters within the Parliament.
Notably, Belgian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Marc Botenga from The Left group condemned these actions as illegal and reckless, highlighting the loss of civilian lives, including children, as a grave consequence.
Botenga emphasized that attacking another nation is a violation of international law and likened the current situation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, advocating for a consistent condemnation of military aggression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterized Iran as a 'principal source of regional instability,' underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The discussions in Parliament revealed a deep divide, with discourse shifting rapidly as MEPs voiced a range of opinions.
French MEP Rima Hassan also criticized the Israeli government for its actions regarding the Freedom Flotilla, which had been stopped in international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Hassan described these actions as illegal and harmful, arguing that the lack of condemnation from the European Parliament undermines its credibility.
Her comments prompted a strong response from Jordan Bardella, an MEP from the National Rally party, who accused her of serving the interests of Hamas rather than representing European values.
The session highlighted the global implications of the conflict, showcasing the heightened tensions within the European Parliament and underscoring the challenges the EU faces in addressing international crises.
As Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, prepares to engage with these points, the atmosphere remains charged with differing perspectives on how to approach the evolving conflict.
