Iran war exposes rift between Europeans and their leaders – MEP

Ordinary citizens want peace, but bureaucrats are driven by military lobbies, Rudi Kennes has told RT

The EU is divided over the US war against Iran, with public opinion strongly opposing it, while unelected officials in Brussels back Washington, Belgian MEP Rudi Kennes has told RT’s Rick Sanchez.

European countries have failed to present a unified front on the war, with Spain and Italy voicing criticism, while others, including France, are avoiding outright condemnation and have increased their military footprint in the Middle East. Bureaucrats in Brussels, meanwhile, have focused largely on the lack of prior US consultation, while failing to condemn the campaign.

Kennes, a former trade unionist, said EU officials are influenced by industry ties and military lobbies that profit from conflict.

”I think it’s all about the money. It’s no news that European leaders are not representing the majority of the European people,” he said. “They just follow the big leaders [and] it’s also about the lobbies, the military lobby, who actually are much empowered.”

He argued that many EU officials come from industry and are likely to return to it, meaning “they only listen to... lobbies” which got them elected, while biding their time in top posts. Kennes noted that neither European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen nor EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas were democratically elected, and do not feel accountable for their actions.

Kennes acknowledged that some officials have begun expressing doubts about the Iran war, but said this is driven by rising oil prices and declining public support rather than genuine opposition to military aggression.

He stressed that ordinary Europeans “don’t want war,” as military spending comes at the expense of social services.

“We have waiting lists for housing and medical care. And all they say is, if we ask a penny to go there – there is no money,” he said. “But for wars, there is always money. This is the main problem.”

Kennes cited recent polls showing rising public discontent across Europe over the war and opposition to potential involvement in it, urging politicians to heed public opinion.