About: EU-Iran relations
Iran envoy leaves as EU says time to decide on nuclear talks
Iran and the United States must take a political decision within days to prevent the failure of indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal after 11 months of negotiations rocked by a last-minute Russian demand of a sanctions exemption.
Israel says EU diplomat should not attend Iran inauguration
Israel's foreign ministry on Monday (2 August) said a European Union decision to send diplomat Enrique Mora to this week's inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi showed "poor judgment".
EU’s INSTEX mechanism facilitates first transaction with pandemic-hit Iran
The EU says that its Iran-trading mechanism INSTEX, designed to allow Europeans to bypass US sanctions and continue trade with Tehran, has successfully concluded its first transaction. However, the humanitarian deal actually doesn't appear to contravene EU sanctions.
EU urges Iran’s full compliance with nuclear deal
EU ministers called for Iran to fully comply with its embattled nuclear deal, and reiterated their regret at the US’ withdrawal, at a foreign affairs ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday (15 July). EU ministers discussed how to preserve the...
EU condemns Iran’s missile launches, ‘hostile’ activities
In a joint statement unanimously adopted by the bloc's ambassadors on Monday (4 February), the EU voiced its concerns over Iran's recent ballistic missile launches and called on Tehran to put an "immediate end" to its "unacceptable behaviour" or risk destabilising the region.
US ‘disturbed and deeply disappointed’ by EU over Iran sanctions
Tensions between the United States and the European Union over Iran soared into the open Tuesday (25 September) after the Europeans announced plans for a legal framework to preserve business with Tehran and evade new US sanctions.
Iran, major powers labor to keep nuclear deal afloat
The remaining parties to the Iran nuclear deal agreed on Monday (24 September) to keep working to maintain trade with Tehran despite scepticism this is possible as U.S. sanctions to choke off Iranian oil sales resume in November.
EU lawmakers back plan for European Investment Bank work in Iran
EU lawmakers gave approval on Wednesday (4 July) for the European Investment Bank (EIB) to do business in Iran, overcoming a blocking attempt and keeping alive plans to save the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran that Washington has abandoned.
Better schooling for Afghan refugee children in Iran
School is not a right for Afghan child refugees in Iran. However, the recent establishment of an education programme has helped improve the situation, EURACTIV’s partner EuroEfe reports.
Europe ponders the US Iran nuclear deal threats over its companies
Europe has to decide what to do in case the US makes good on its threat to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and re-impose sanctions on Iran. The alternative is to agree to tighter terms proposed by Washington that could hit European companies.
Slovenia rocked by Iran-related money laundering scandal
Slovenia’s state prosecutor has opened a preliminary investigation into claims that the country's biggest state-owned bank, Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB), may have laundered nearly €1bn from Iran between 2008 and 2010, breaking an international embargo and failing to enforce rules on the financing of terrorism.
Mogherini steals the show in Iran, warns US
EU High Representative Federica Mogherini confirmed on Saturday (5 August) the Union’s commitment to the Iran nuclear deal and referring to the US, she urged “all parties” to implement it.
EU vows continued nuclear deal support following Rouhani reelection
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has congratulated Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for securing reelection on Friday (19 May), assuring him that the EU will continue to work towards full implementation of the landmark nuclear deal. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Iran certifies 29 international companies to bid for oil, gas projects
Iran has named 29 companies from more than a dozen countries as being allowed to bid for oil and gas projects using the new, less restrictive Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC) model, the oil ministry news website SHANA reported yesterday (2 January).
German-led ‘Scramble for Iran’ underway, slowed by fearful banks
German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has embarked on a visit to Iran in order to promote German businesses and start working towards an opening up of the country. But many experts still doubt whether his "change through trade" mantra will bear fruit. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Former European Commissioners blast EU deals with Iran
Former Commissioners Karel de Gucht and Louis Michel have criticised European Union moves to strike business deals with Iran, urging EU institutions and member states to make them conditional on Tehran improving its dismal human rights record.
Austrians perplexed after being stood up by Iranian president
Austrian authorities were left scratching their heads as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani cancelled a trip to Vienna at the last minute. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Romania late to Iran’s post-sanctions party
Bucharest has sent a delegation to Tehran to discuss business opportunities following the lifting of the Iranian embargo, but its representatives may find that the choice cuts of its energy sector have already been snapped up. EURACTIV Romania reports.