Get realpolitik? Von der Leyen questions Europe’s faith in rules-based order

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Finbarr BerminghamMarch 9, 2026 at 10:27 AM

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short article 2 min

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on March 9, 2026, that the EU must become more pragmatic and interest-driven in a changing global landscape. Speaking to EU ambassadors, von der Leyen questioned the EU's reliance on the rules-based international order, suggesting it may hinder the bloc's geopolitical credibility. She urged a shift away from being a "custodian for the old world order," arguing that the EU can no longer solely depend on existing rules to defend its interests against complex threats. Her call comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, including US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have been viewed by some as breaches of international norms. Von der Leyen did not condemn the attacks, citing an "existential" moment for Europe.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tehran 40% Iranian regime 50% Middle East 50% United States 50% Israel 50% European Commission 60% Iran ×260% Europe ×270% European Union ×380% Ursula von der Leyen ×390%

Keywords

rules-based international order 100% european union 90% realpolitik 80% geopolitical actor 70% ursula von der leyen 70% global norms 60% middle east 50% international rules 50% iranian regime 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Europe

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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rules-based international order european union realpolitik geopolitical actor ursula von der leyen global norms middle east international rules iranian regime

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