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Iraq Seeks EU Partnership, Faces Militia Hurdles

Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al‑Zaidi, has been urged by France and Germany to curb militia activity in a bid to secure European Union partnership. Both Macron and Chancellor Merz highlighted the need for Iraq to disband the five Tehran‑controlled militias that continue to fire missiles and drones at neighboring states. Al‑Zaidi has already signed memoranda of understanding with TotalEnergies and a semi‑public data‑center firm, raising foreign investment from $12 billion to $16 billion. The agreements also signal a shift toward French weapon procurement and the construction of a domestic drone‑manufacturing complex. European officials view Iraq as a more promising partner than past administrations, yet they insist the dissolution of the remaining three militias is a prerequisite for EU acceptance. Al‑Zaidi must also resolve internal disputes between the Kurdish regions, demarcate the Iraq‑Kuwait continental shelf, and reopen the Shatt al‑Arab waterway without antagonizing Iran. Whether Iraq can meet these demands remains uncertain, but its success would reshape regional energy routes and strengthen ties with Gulf and European markets.

· gatestoneinstitute.org

The essential points

  1. 01Iraq’s prime minister Ali al‑Zaidi signed a $16 billion investment deal with TotalEnergies, boosting foreign capital.
  2. 02France and Germany insist Iraq must disband all five Tehran‑controlled militias to qualify for EU partnership.
  3. 03European leaders plan to shift Iraq’s weapons procurement from the U.S. to France, including a new drone‑manufacturing complex.
  4. 04Iraq faces internal challenges: Kurdish unity, continental shelf demarcation with Kuwait, and reopening the Shatt al‑Arab waterway.
The full brief

Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al‑Zaidi, has been urged by France and Germany to curb militia activity in a bid to secure European Union partnership. Both Macron and Chancellor Merz highlighted the need for Iraq to disband the five Tehran‑controlled militias that continue to fire missiles and drones at neighboring states. Al‑Zaidi has already signed memoranda of understanding with TotalEnergies and a semi‑public data‑center firm, raising foreign investment from $12 billion to $16 billion.

The agreements also signal a shift toward French weapon procurement and the construction of a domestic drone‑manufacturing complex. European officials view Iraq as a more promising partner than past administrations, yet they insist the dissolution of the remaining three militias is a prerequisite for EU acceptance. Al‑Zaidi must also resolve internal disputes between the Kurdish regions, demarcate the Iraq‑Kuwait continental shelf, and reopen the Shatt al‑Arab waterway without antagonizing Iran.

Whether Iraq can meet these demands remains uncertain, but its success would reshape regional energy routes and strengthen ties with Gulf and European markets.