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Task Force Iran
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The conclusion and implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has opened the way for a renewal of broader relations.
The conclusion and implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has opened the way for a renewal of broader relations in areas of common interest. This renewed gradual engagement between the EU and Iran takes place on the basis of the full and continued implementation of the JCPOA by Iran and the other parties.
The overarching agreed joint objectives of EU-Iran relations are:
In the follow-up to the Joint Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Union, Federica Mogherini and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif from 16 April 2016, activities have been launched in many sectors including economic cooperation, trade and investment, agriculture, transport, energy and climate change, civil nuclear cooperation, science, research and innovation, education, culture, environment, drugs, migration, humanitarian issues and regional issues. The EU-Iran sectoral cooperation takes place in the form of high level visits, expert meetings, projects and policy dialogues. The two sides hold regular consultations at the level of the HRVP and the Iranian Foreign Minister and meet regularly for a High-Level Dialogue at Deputy Minister/ EEAS Secretary General level.
So far four High-Level Dialogues took place: the latest was held in Brussels in November 2018. The EU was represented by the EEAS Secretary General Helga Schmid, DG for Energy, Dominique Ristori, and the EU Counterterrorism Coordinator, Gilles de Kerchove, as well as several other Commission services.
Based on the Joint Statement, the EU and Iran are also determined to enhance and promote human rights. In this context, in parallel to the High-Level Dialogue, three discussions on human rights have been held to date. During these discussions the EU was represented by then-EU Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis.
In Iran, the EU is represented by the Embassy of Romania until 30 June 2019, followed by the Embassy of Finland until 31 December 2019. The Iranian Embassy in Belgium is accredited to the EU.
Relevant documents:
Council Conclusions on Iran, 4 February 2019
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