Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Parliament hosted a conference that discussed Iran’s destabilizing actions, including terrorism, human rights abuses, and proxy warfare.
The European Parliament convened an important conference titled “Iran Alliances: Destabilising Influences in Europe and the Middle East.” managed by Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl, the event brought together major political figures, diplomats, human rights advocates, and survivors of Iranian-backed brutality.
As reported by EU Today, the conference’s discussions highlighted the Iranian regime’s extensive destabilising actions, spanning terrorism, human rights abuses, and proxy warfare in Europe and beyond. The conference began with a candle-lighting ritual led by Mohammed Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium and the EU, in memory of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a target of regional violence.
How is Iran influencing regional and European stability?
In his opening statements, MEP Lukas Mandl emphasised the importance of the European Union recognising and facing the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes like Iran. He stressed the interconnectedness of global security and the moral imperative to operate.
“We must understand,” Mandl stated, “that the fight for freedom, justice, and human rights does not stop at borders. The decisions we make today will define not only the future of 400 million Europeans but also the lives of millions living under oppression in the Middle East. History will judge whether we stood on the sidelines or took our place on the right side.” Mandl stressed that unity within Europe and with international allies is essential to countering Iran’s authoritarian influence and defending those who resist it.
Moreover, H.E. Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of Ukraine’s Mission to the EU, described the Iranian regime’s direct engagement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. He clarified how Iranian-supplied drones have evolved into a key element of Russia’s military strategy.
“These drones are not just weapons; they are terror incarnate. They target civilians, schools, and hospitals in Ukraine,” Chentsov stated. “In October alone, Russia used nearly 2,000 Iranian drones against us, and in November, this number rose to 3,000. Each drone is a symbol of the unholy alliance between Tehran and Moscow.” He urged for stronger sanctions targeting Iran’s military-industrial complex and especially its Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). “We must not allow European technology to appear in Iranian drones, which are then used to murder Ukrainian children.”
