Welcoming the comprehensive action plan on Iran’s nuclear programme, on Tuesday 25 October, MEPs welcomed the launch of relations with Iran, encouraging the building of renewed relations between the EU and its member states and Iran through close collaboration on bilateral and multilateral issues.
Adopting a report by Richard Howitt (S&D, UK) on the EU’s strategy following the nuclear agreement by 456 to 174 and 67 abstentions, MEPs said they were in favour of the EU opening relations with Iran in the interest of the two sides, based on a realistic assessment of common interests and differences, in order to encourage gradual enlargement of cooperation in a climate of trust.
MEPs stressed the need to ensure respect for EU guidelines on human rights and considered that reducing application of the death penalty is a major objective for political dialogue. They urge the European External Action Service to work with the Iranian authorities in domains such as reform of the judiciary and prison system, government responsibility, respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression, citizens’ fundamental freedoms and universal human rights and tackling corruption. The MEPs did not adopt an amendment recommending that the development of economic relations should go hand-in-hand with progress on human rights.
In terms of the economy, the European Parliament urges the EU to back the organisation of a bilateral investment treaty with Iran and urges the EU and its member states to consider using export credit guarantees to encourage trade, the financing of projects and investment in Iran.
MEPs want to see greater cooperation on protecting the environment, sustainable development, aviation security, education, research, innovation, migration issues and energy. They also call for an improvement in interpersonal exchanges.
Finally, the MEPs say that the nuclear agreement paves the way for cooperation to solve the security crisis in the region, noting that Tehran can and should play a stabilising role in the region. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)