In this edition of The Ring, MEPs Hana Jalloul and Reinhold Lopatka face off to discuss the intensifying conflict in the Middle East and its consequences for the European Union.
An escalating conflict has broken out in the Middle East, posing a risk of extensive regional spillover and involving member states of the European Union.
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This war reveals profound divisions among EU leaders, with Spain standing out as the sole nation publicly denouncing the US and Israel’s initial attack on Iran. In response, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off all trade relations with Madrid.
Although not consulted beforehand about the military action, multiple European countries are progressing toward offering defense aid to their allies, while Cyprus, an EU country, experienced an impact from an Iran-produced drone.
Was the EU correct to withhold criticism of the initial strike on Iran? Are EU member states now inevitably being drawn into the conflict? What effects will this have on Europe’s economy, security, and stability?
Such questions were addressed to Hana Jalloul, a Spanish MEP affiliated with the centre-left Socialists and Democrats group, and to Reinhold Lopatka, an Austrian MEP from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), during this week’s episode of The Ring.
Jalloul, representing the party of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, supports Spain’s decision to question the legality of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and to deny US forces access to their military bases in Rota and Morón, southern Spain. She also condemns the harshness of the Iranian regime and supports the Iranian population’s efforts to regain freedom.
While Lopatka concurs that the legality of the strikes is debatable, he maintains the intervention is «justified» as the US seeks to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities and restrict support for groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
They also hold opposing views on the legitimacy of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last Shah, who has been proposed as a potential leader for the Iranian opposition but remains controversial.
Both MEPs agree that the EU is at a critical juncture, facing significant potential impacts on its energy security and economic stability.
This episode of The Ring is hosted by Mared Gwyn Jones, produced by Luis Albertos and Amaia Echevarria, and edited by Vassilis Glynos.
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