European leaders’ muted response to the early March 2026 hostilities involving the US, Israel and Iran has prompted criticism from rights advocates for double standards and selective application of international law.

On 03/03/2026 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described legal characterisations of recent strikes as “relatively inconsequential”, while Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot Berendsen suggested international law is not the only framework for response, comments Amnesty International and other observers say risk eroding norms that protect civilians.

The EU’s 03/04/2026 statement condemned Iran’s attacks and urged protection of civilians, but critics note it stopped short of explicitly calling on the US or Israel to respect humanitarian law in the same terms. Amnesty and human rights experts argue that impartial insistence on international human rights and humanitarian law, applied equally to all parties, is essential to prevent impunity and protect civilians.

Sources, statements by Chancellor Merz and Dutch FM, EU foreign policy communiqué.