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March 18, 2024: “The presidential elections in Russia took place in a highly restricted environment, with voters deprived of a real choice and systematic internal repression. We condemn the illegal holding of so-called ‘elections’ in the occupied Ukrainian territories.”

What happened: Russia held a presidential election in March, with Vladimir Putin gaining nearly 90 percent of the vote. The election was predictably marred by widespread irregularities and included voting in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.

Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nyet. Putin is still president and Russia still holds much of the Ukrainian territories.

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Jan. 4, 2024: “The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in the city of Kerman in Iran and expresses its solidarity with the Iranian people.”

What happened: 84 people were killed in a terrorist attack during a memorial ceremony in the city of Kerman in Iran on Jan. 3, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Iran since the 1979 revolution. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the bombing. 

Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Since January, ISIS affiliates have carried out more terrorist attacks around the world, including a suicide bombing in Afghanistan in March that killed 21, the mass shooting at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, and multiple assaults targeting civilians in Syria and Iraq.