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Tuesday 1 November 2016 - 06:55

How do Iran-EU Relations Change Following Nuclear Deal?

Story Code : 580099
How do Iran-EU Relations Change Following Nuclear Deal?
Concerning the relations between Iran and the EU, two factors are notable, and mutually affect each other: one is related to Iran’s strategic position, its regional power, its power to settle regional problems, and its natural resources. Without doubt, the EU is interested to make the most out of these potentials and capabilities of the Islamic Republic in post-JCOPA time. The second factor is related to the European bloc itself because the Union is the second or third-largest global economic power and has a huge GNP. So, it can stand as an alternative to the US in providing the West Asian country with technology.
 
These two factors have called attention of both sides following signing the nuclear accord.
 
When Iran looks at the EU, it faces a union comprised of 28 states that can influence the global and regional developments, and also holds the second rank of technology after the US. Furthermore, the European countries are strong economic and industrial powers. This can be very efficient for meeting Iranian needs and pushing up Iran’s economic growth in a time of absence of the US.
 
So, in this partnership besides perfectly implementing the terms of JCPOA by both sides, Iran is supposed to use the technology, industries, and support of the EU both in the region and across the world. Iran-EU cooperation in the banking sector is another factor that should see a good development as part of wider partnership between the two sides.
 
Therefore, after pondering, the European bloc has recently chosen Iran as its economic partner. However, it must be taken into account that in any partnership the sides should consider each other’s concerns. This is also applicable on the relations between Iran and the EU. As the EU has its own expectations from Iran, Tehran has mutual expectations from the Union. Actually, both sides must take steps towards meeting these expectations and concerns. Meanwhile, Iran holds demands for foreign investment, achieving cutting-edge technologies, and transfer of novel management methods. So, Iran and the EU have set to restore cooperation while taking into consideration each other’s concerns and demands.
 
If the relations will be built on such a mutual consideration, undoubtedly the Iran-EU ties will shift from superficial levels to deep ones, an achievement that is profitable for both sides. In fact, if relations be confined to trade and the EU look at Iran simply as a market for its products, the next US president, who may against the side relations, can easily pressurize to put an end to such a shallow partnership. But if ties go beyond trade and include other fields of collaboration, even the US, if it wishes, cannot affect them, and in fact the EU will confront any efforts by Washington to damage its relations with Tehran.
 
The outlook of relations depends on the two sides' valuing the other side, on how much they understand each other, and to what degree they are ready to make sacrifices to reach the necessary depth in ties, and listen to each other’s words.
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