“When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked.” Emmanuel Macron announced to the French press on 9 March. And with that single sentence, the solidarity of the EU has kicked in with full force. He has rallied his European troops, ending the confinement of the US-Iran crisis to the Middle East.
When the Iranian-made Shahed drone hit a British RAF hanger in Cyprus, shockwaves were felt through Europe and the reaction was immediate. Europeans, it seems, do not wait for their food to get cold. Only two hours later, British fighter jets intercepted the further drones that were heading for Cyprus. And France deployed its infamous nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and air-defence system to the Mediterranean.
What we’re seeing here is the EU’s resemblance of NATO’s collective defence principle. Upon Article 42.7, the mutual defence clause, EU countries are obliged to provide aid and assistance to other Member States.
Understanding the nature of this agreement is crucial to anticipate what we will expect to see in the following weeks. Macron’s visit to Cyprus was more than symbolic gesture politics. EU solidarity has defensive and deescalating intentions. And many of the cast want to be part of the performance. This includes Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain. A coordinated effort to form a protective barrier around Cyprus is the plan, having announced they will all be sending warships and air assets to do so.
However, the altruistic and clause-abiding incentives behind their actions are not the whole picture. Economic spillage from the conflict has undermined the security of the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Dozens of ships have been stranded since the start of the war in a Strait where around 20 million barrels of oil pass through every day.
Of course, the strategy relies heavily on Europe sticking to script to prevent escalation of the conflict. These countries must only act to protect shipping and Cypriot territory to stabilise the region. The issue is if defence turns into direct confrontation.
Finally, Europe’s protection and defence of partners in the Gulf have demonstrated its necessity and importance as a strategically independent bloc. Given Europe’s historic reliance on the US, their rapid coordination in support of Cyprus exhibits its significant geopolitical power.
“Emmanuel Macron” by paquierjacques is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Related
Will EU Involvement in the War on Iran Go Beyond Protecting its Own?
“When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked.” Emmanuel Macron announced to the French press on 9 March. And with that single sentence, the solidarity of the EU has kicked in with full force. He has rallied his European troops, ending the confinement of the US-Iran crisis to the Middle East.
When the Iranian-made Shahed drone hit a British RAF hanger in Cyprus, shockwaves were felt through Europe and the reaction was immediate. Europeans, it seems, do not wait for their food to get cold. Only two hours later, British fighter jets intercepted the further drones that were heading for Cyprus. And France deployed its infamous nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and air-defence system to the Mediterranean.
What we’re seeing here is the EU’s resemblance of NATO’s collective defence principle. Upon Article 42.7, the mutual defence clause, EU countries are obliged to provide aid and assistance to other Member States.
Understanding the nature of this agreement is crucial to anticipate what we will expect to see in the following weeks. Macron’s visit to Cyprus was more than symbolic gesture politics. EU solidarity has defensive and deescalating intentions. And many of the cast want to be part of the performance. This includes Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain. A coordinated effort to form a protective barrier around Cyprus is the plan, having announced they will all be sending warships and air assets to do so.
However, the altruistic and clause-abiding incentives behind their actions are not the whole picture. Economic spillage from the conflict has undermined the security of the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Dozens of ships have been stranded since the start of the war in a Strait where around 20 million barrels of oil pass through every day.
Of course, the strategy relies heavily on Europe sticking to script to prevent escalation of the conflict. These countries must only act to protect shipping and Cypriot territory to stabilise the region. The issue is if defence turns into direct confrontation.
Finally, Europe’s protection and defence of partners in the Gulf have demonstrated its necessity and importance as a strategically independent bloc. Given Europe’s historic reliance on the US, their rapid coordination in support of Cyprus exhibits its significant geopolitical power.
“Emmanuel Macron” by paquierjacques is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Share this:
Like this:
Related