EU Calls for Fairer Burden Sharing With Gulf States Over Ukraine Support
EU Highlights Lack of Gulf Support for Ukraine
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe has not received enough support from Gulf countries regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. She stressed that cooperation between partners must be mutual and not one-sided.
In an interview with CNN on Friday, she said Europe has not seen meaningful assistance from Gulf states in the Ukraine conflict. She added that “it can’t be only one-way street.”
EU Defends Its Role in Regional Conflicts
Kallas also addressed criticism of the European Union’s role in wider regional tensions, including the US-Israel conflict with Iran and issues around the Strait of Hormuz.
She said Europe did not start these conflicts and is not responsible for the current escalation. According to her, the EU continues to contribute to regional stability through several initiatives.
Security and Military Contributions Highlighted
She pointed to EU naval missions aimed at keeping the Red Sea open, along with support for the Lebanese armed forces and backing for a two-state solution involving the Palestinian Authority.
Kallas also said the EU has provided air defense systems and other security assistance, arguing that criticism of its role is unfair.
Concerns Over Sanctions and Global Cooperation
She warned that some countries are helping others bypass sanctions on Iran, saying this could create wider security risks.
Kallas called for stronger global coordination, noting that opposing sides appear to be cooperating more effectively than allied nations.
NATO and Transatlantic Relations
On transatlantic ties, she emphasized that NATO remains the foundation of collective defense.
She warned that internal divisions could weaken the alliance, saying, “when we are not together, we are both weaker.”
She also defended Europe’s past military role, referring to European forces that supported US-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and rejected claims that such contributions were insignificant.
Growing EU–Gulf Cooperation
Despite disagreements, Kallas said cooperation between the EU and Gulf countries is improving, especially in security and defense areas.
She said ongoing dialogue has identified new areas of partnership that benefit both sides.
Wider Regional Context
Tensions in the region increased after the US and Israel launched an offensive against Iran on February 28. Iran responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli and US assets and limited shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Later, Pakistan, along with Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, helped secure a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The agreement came after 40 days of conflict.
Officials from both sides are now holding talks in Islamabad to work toward a longer-term peace agreement.
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