The conflict between the US and Iran keeps unfolding. The death toll amongst Iranians has already reached the thousands, and fighting is spreading across several fronts in the Middle East
For Brussels, this conflict is not a distant foreign policy matter but a direct threat to the European Union’s stability. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affect energy supplies and increase the risk of sharp rises in gas and oil prices. The situation also heightens concerns about cyber threats, terrorism, and economic volatility across the bloc, potentially triggering large-scale migration from the region.
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The EU appears prepared to address these threats, with a network of crisis mechanisms in place to coordinate member states during emergencies.
For citizens abroad, national embassies and consulates provide the first line of protection. Under EU rules, Europeans may seek assistance from any other member state’s diplomatic mission if their own country is not represented. While evacuations are managed by national governments, the EU supports these efforts through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which organises transport, shares resources, and coordinates responses via its 24-hour Emergency Response Coordination Centre.
The European Commission coordinates humanitarian aid, border management, and internal security preparations, while agencies such as Europol monitor terrorism and organised crime risks. The EU also strengthens cyber defences and can activate financial tools, including support from the European Central Bank and emergency funding mechanisms, to stabilise markets and protect the broader economy.
So can Europeans trust the EU to shield them from the war’s impact?
Our poll is anonymous and takes just a few seconds to complete. The results will feature across the EU. XL coverage -in videos, articles, and newsletters- and will help shape our reporting as we explore how Europe can secure its place in the age of artificial intelligence.