On Thursday 23 August, the European Commission adopted a package of measures to support economic and social development in Iran, following the conclusion of the agreement on Iran's nuclear programme on 14 July 2015.
The €18 million projects adopted (including €8 million assistance to the private sector), are the first of a wider package of €50 million for Iran, aiming to support the country in addressing key economic and social challenges.
The measures "are part of the renewed cooperation and engagement between the European Union and Iran following the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)", the Commission states in a press release.
The €8 million supporting the private sector will include assistance to high-potential Iranian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the development of selected value chains, and technical assistance to Iran's trade promotion organisation. With the remaining €10 million, the Commission will provide technical support in the area of environmental challenges for €8 million and will support drug harm reduction for €2 million.
The projects will be implemented by the International Trade Centre and EU member state agencies, in close cooperation with their Iranian counterparts. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)