The developing conflict in the Middle East has provided the Brussels establishment with yet another opportunity to play big-league politics. Expect ‘strongly worded’ letters written by people who lack the power to back up their claims, likely not to be read by those who are actually shaping events.
One such statement was issued on Sunday by Ursula von der Leyen, following a call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar. “Qatar,” said the European Commission President, “can count on strong European solidarity.” What that means in practice is anyone’s guess.
Off the phone with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar.
We discussed the aftermath of Iran’s reckless and indiscriminate strikes on the country.
With the region in deep upheaval, Qatar can count on strong European solidarity.
British broadcaster and journalist Andrew Neil jibed: “This is how you sound when desperate to be seen relevant when you’re clearly irrelevant.” French political figure Charles-Henri Gallois also reminded von der Leyen that “you are not a head of state,” so should “not block the phone lines.” Others expressed surprise that the phone was picked up on the other end at all.
Questions have especially been raised over the meaning of VDL’s expression of support for “a credible transition in Iran.” Former Latvian diplomat Eldar Mamedov, who has previously spoken to europeanconservative.com about Brussels having itself to blame for being sidelined in foreign affairs, stressed that the Commission president was “once again … grossly overstepping her boundaries.”
She has no mandate to speak of an “urgent need” for regime change in a foreign country.
Economist Guntram Wolff likewise dismissed the “highly inappropriate post,” saying that “to call for regime change is foreign policy, not von der Leyen’s competence”—not least given the fact she “really has no instrument at hand to influence what regime will come.”
And Euractivsaid her separate announcement on Saturday of a meeting of the “security College” was “the sort of flex one could expect from a global heavyweight,” but instead “proved a spectacular PR blunder.”
Many argue the European Commission would be better placed to focus on issues that directly affect Europe. Conservative news site Visegrád 24asked whether VDL questioned the Sheikh “about Qatari funding for mega mosques in Europe,” or, indeed, “their funding of the Muslim Brotherhood … or did you run out of time?”
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
