EU relations with Iran have evolved in recent years. Dominated by Iran’s nuclear programme and the consequent sanctions, steps are now being made to promote Iran as a strategic partner.

Following dialogue held on 8 and 9 February this year, which led to future research and innovation agreements on 16 and 17 February, the EU High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini will return to Iran with seven commissioners and the objective of discussing further co-operation.

Mogherini also aims for further dialogue on how to achieve a more secure and peaceful life for people living in the region, as well as the delicate issue of human rights – a key condition of the EU’s co-operation with any nation.

The European Commission delivered €10.5m in humanitarian aid to refugees in Iran between 2002 and 2015, which will both increase and continue in the future.

Co-operation between Iran and the EU in the areas of science, research and innovation remains promising under the Horizon 2020 framework, which is open for Iranian public and private companies and start-ups to participation in. The European Commission has also adopted a €5m project in nuclear safety – in line with the provisions of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – that will support Iran’s regulatory authority in reviewing the framework, by building technical capacity, and by sharing innovative EU expertise.

Iran is also taking an interest in the Erasmus+ initiative for the Middle East, in which ten Iranian academic institutions have already participated. The ongoing cost of these activities is currently estimated at €10m.

The EU Commission is highly optimistic about the exchanges and the mutual benefits from Iran’s co-operation, its famous hospitality and its rich and fascinating culture.

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