Nobody cares about “what Brussels says”, assuming it says something at all.
In Russo-Ukrainian war, as well as in the more recent Israeli-Palestinian one, it has become evident Europe has lost its previous relevance. Nobody seems to take its opinions seriously. The European Union, a 27-member bloc, has struggled to establish a cohesive foreign policy due to diverse national interests. Its global impact is diminishing due to economic decline and an inability to project military power in a world marked by growing instability. Europe blew the only chance to reverse this trend when its leaders laughed at Trump’s face after he demanded that they pay their fair share for participating in NATO.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s promise of a “geopolitical powerhouse” has not materialized. Instead, the EU has become a marginal player, often causing confusion and embarrassment due to its contradictory actions. Recent events illustrate this decline. After Hamas’s attacks on Israeli civilians, there was a lack of consensus within the EU regarding aid to the Palestinian Authority. One commissioner announced an immediate suspension of €691 million in aid, while another contradicted this, stating aid would continue. This inconsistency, followed by the suggestion of an “urgent review” to prevent funds from supporting terrorism, reveals disarray within the EU.
In summary, Europe’s global influence has diminished, and its inability to present a united front on critical issues erodes its credibility and effectiveness in international politics.
