Dissatisfaction is growing in Madrid over Europe's response to the US and Israel's conflict with Iran. Spanish left-wing deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz sharply criticizes EU leaders for their lack of a decisive response on the matter.
“Europe is an orphan in a historical moment,” says Diaz in an interview for POLITICO. — The leadership the bloc needs is missing.
According to Diaz, the EU “should fight for a political Europe, an economic Europe, a social Europe, a fiscal Europe, a Europe that has its own foreign policy, its own self-defense policy and is not a hostage [prezydenta USA Donalda] Trump”.
Diaz emphasizes that Brussels should strongly oppose it “totally illegal” war in Iranwhich the United States and Israel launched late last month, sparking confusion in the Middle East after Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes across the region.
Diaz criticizes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for not immediately condemning the attack on Iran, and says she should speak out quickly to defend the same principles of international law found in the United Nations Charter.
— Europe must stand on the side of international law, human rights and democracy, he says. Considering the times we live in, none of us can afford to remain silent.
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Her comments were similar to those made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has taken on the role of Trump's chief critic in Europe and has repeatedly condemned Washington's “unjustified and dangerous military intervention” in Iran.
Diaz, who this week also criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for paying “tribute” to Trump, argues that the EU's position towards the US president may also have serious internal consequences.
— The fact is that European citizens are against the illegal war in Iran, he notes. — By supporting it, the EU may ultimately strengthen the Eurosceptic sentiment that often fuels the rise of the far right.
Diaz praises Spain's refusal to support Washington's military offensive and Madrid's defense of “human rights, dignity and decency around the world.”
He adds that Spain's position is increasingly supported by other EU leadersnoting that even Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Monday that the war was taking place “outside international law.”
“Europe must wake up once and for all”
By Diaz Trump constitutes an existential threat to Europewhich the EU does not notice.
— Last December, Trump published a strategic document in which he targeted Europe and clearly stated that he was fed up with us, he says, referring to the US national security strategy. This text presents an “America First” approach to Europe, which focuses on gaining a mercantilist advantage over the continent.
Diaz, who heads the far-left Sumar party, a junior partner in Sanchez's coalition government, believes the U.S. president's bizarre public statements mask a deep reluctance towards the bloc.
US President Donald Trump in Corpus Christi, Texas, February 27, 2026.Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images/Getty Images
“Everything he does sounds crazy, but deep down his actions are motivated by the economic interests of the United States,” he argues. — Europe must wake up once and for all.
The Spanish minister sharply criticized EU leaders for their “subservient” approach to the US president, adding that such a stance was “stupid because it is clear that Trump does not respect those who try to be his vassals.”
Diaz stressed that her country is “not afraid” to stand up to the US president and does not feel intimidated by his threat to cut off trade relations with Madrid.
“Trump declared a global state of emergency and broke all the rules,” he says. “In these moments of anxiety, pain and absolute uncertainty, we must be brave in our response,” he argues.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
