Iran war deepens EU's internal divisions following Von der Leyen's world order remarks

"Europe can no longer be a custodian for the old-world order, of a world that is gone and will not return. Although the EU will always defend and uphold the rules-based system, it can no longer rely on it as it is no longer effective in defending its interests and providing protection."

"We Europeans must defend the rules-based international order. We must defend the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. This multipolar world requires multilateral solutions, not spheres of influence where power politics replaces international law."

Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, sparked controversy by declaring the rules-based world order obsolete while simultaneously justifying wars launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Her remarks intensified existing criticism regarding her perceived alignment with Washington and Tel Aviv, as well as her inadequate condemnation of Donald Trump's actions. EU governments, parliamentarians, and analysts accused her of exceeding her authority in foreign policy matters. Von der Leyen argued Europe cannot rely on the rules-based system as ineffective for protecting its interests. However, European Council President António Costa and High Representative Kaja Kallas disagreed, emphasizing that Europeans must defend the rules-based international order and UN principles. Costa identified the U.S. and Russia as creators of international disorder, advocating for multilateral solutions over spheres of influence.

Read at english.elpais.com