Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.
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You can find the transcript here if you prefer reading:
European warships rush to the Middle East.
France has deployed its aircraft carrier to support Cyprus and the Gulf states, which have been attacked or threatened by Iran. Several other EU countries have joined this effort.
What is the scale of European forces sent to the region?
In southern Cyprus, right on the coast, lies the British military base of Akrotiri — the largest Royal Air Force base outside the UK. Some 3,500 people live there.
On Monday, 2 March, it was targeted by three drones in an attack attributed to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. One drone caused material damage, while the other two were intercepted.
The day before, on Sunday, 1 March, a French military base in the United Arab Emirates was damaged in a drone attack targeting Abu Dhabi’s port.
Since Saturday, 28 February, Iran has been retaliating against US-Israeli strikes on a broad scale, targeting Gulf neighbours, Israel, and US bases across the region.
What’s Europe’s role in this war?
First, they must defend Cyprus, the EU member most geographically exposed. Then, they need to support Gulf countries, which are also caught in a conflict they didn’t choose.
The EU, or some of its members, have defence agreements with Gulf monarchies, requiring mutual assistance in case of attack. That’s why several EU countries have announced military deployments to the region, including France and the Netherlands.
How significant is this mobilisation?
France is leading the effort, deploying its only aircraft carrier to the region, along with eight frigates and two helicopter carriers.
Spain, despite condemning the US-Israeli attack, has shown solidarity with Cyprus by sending a ship near the island.
Greece is deploying two frigates and four fighter jets.
The Netherlands, the only Northern European country involved, is preparing a frigate to join France’s carrier group.
Italy also plans to send reinforcements.
All these vessels are tasked with detecting and intercepting missiles and drones.
Outside the EU, the UK is readying its warship HMS Dragon and two heavily armed helicopters.
Even Ukraine is contributing, sending military personnel and experts who are trained in neutralising Iranian Shahed drones, which can carry 50 kg of explosives.
Germany, however, has stated it does not plan to send military forces to the region. As far as Northern European countries like the Baltics, Sweden, and Finland are concerned, they continue to focus on the Russian threat.
Does the EU have its own role in this effort?
The EU doesn’t have its own army or a shared military budget, so its capacity for action is limited. However, it can launch specific military missions or operations supported by multiple member states.
For example, in 2024, it established Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea to protect commercial ships from Houthi attacks.
Since 28 February, the EU hasn’t announced any new missions of this kind, but it has said it’s ready to adapt and strengthen ASPIDES to address the current situation.
Right now, the EU’s efforts are focused on repatriating European nationals stranded in Gulf countries.
In conclusion, it’s hard to say whether the current deployments will deter further attacks, but they clearly show Europe’s determination not to remain a bystander.
Cyprus has stated that its territory wasn’t the intended target of the drone attack and hasn’t invoked the EU’s mutual defense clause. If it were activated, the response would be much larger.
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