Antonio Costa Rebukes Ursula von der Leyen as European Leaders Split on US-Israeli Strikes.
“Freedom cannot be achieved through bombs.” Europe’s top officials are no longer speaking with one voice.
A sharp public divide has emerged at the top of the European Union over the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, exposing tensions over diplomacy, international law and Europe’s global role.
Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, rebuked European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday, declaring that “freedom and human rights cannot be achieved through bombs.”
His remarks followed von der Leyen’s speech a day earlier at the EU Ambassadors Conference in Brussels, where she suggested that the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could “open a path towards a free Iran.” She also questioned whether Europe could continue to anchor itself to what she described as a fading “rules-based international order.”
Costa took a different tone, insisting the EU must defend international law and remain committed to diplomacy. His intervention underscored the institutional divide: while the Commission often pushes strategic positions, the European Council — representing member states — operates by consensus, particularly on foreign policy.
Von der Leyen argued that Europe’s “well-intentioned attempts at consensus” could hinder the bloc’s credibility. Yet consensus is embedded in EU treaties, and member states have struggled for months to align on issues ranging from Ukraine funding to defense spending and sanctions on Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has frequently blocked joint initiatives, including a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has positioned himself against what he calls Europe’s “rearmament,” and has emerged as one of the strongest critics of the U.S.-led strikes on Iran.
Sanchez’s stance has drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently threatened trade measures against Spain.
The split highlights a broader strategic dilemma: whether Europe aligns firmly with Washington’s military posture or doubles down on diplomatic engagement. As the Middle East conflict widens, the EU’s internal divisions risk weakening its ability to shape outcomes — and to speak with a unified voice on the global stage.
