The EU and Iran will work hand in hand on the environment and tackling climate change thanks to a framework agreement for technical cooperation signed in Brussels on Wednesday 14 December by the European Commission and Vice-President of Iran and Head of the Department of Environment Masoumeh Ebtekar.
A series of meetings will take place in 2017 to prepare a joint working programme. Iran and the Commission will work together on implementing the shared goals of protecting the environment, green growth and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
In terms of the environment, the cooperation will focus on the circular economy and waste management, reducing industrial emissions, improving air quality and improving water management, says Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella in a press release
Cooperation on implementing the Paris climate agreement will, Climate Action Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete hopes, “boost innovation, investments and job creation in both Europe and Iran”. Both parties have also agreed to support the promotion of the role of cities in global climate action. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)