Iran

EU and Iran

In December 2022, the Council of the European Union adopted the Conclusions on Iran, outlining the EU's stance regarding its relationship with Iran, the domestic situation in the country, including human rights issues, its nuclear programme, and regional issues. 

The EU advocates for a balanced and comprehensive strategy towards Iran, emphasizing dialogue to tackle all points of concern, adopting a critical stance on areas of divergence and a cooperative approach where mutual interests align.

A Multiannual Indicative Plan (MIP) was formulated and approved in 2021. However, since then EU-Iran relations have deteriorated significantly due to the domestic repression of protests, Iran’s military cooperation with Russia, a stalemate on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) negotiations, rising regional tensions, and the practice of hostage diplomacy involving persons with dual citizenship and EU nationals. For these reasons the European Commission decided to discontinue the MIP. 

Nonetheless, the EU remains committed to supporting Afghan refugees in Iran, collaborating with International Organisations and international NGOs. This support is designed to complement the assistance provided under Priority 3: Migration, Forced Displacement, and Mobility of the Regional Multiannual Indicative Programme for Asia and the Pacific.

Additionally, the EU extends support to both Iranian and international civil society organisations (CSOs), primarily through grants.

Bilateral cooperation

Iran hosts approximately 3.8 million Afghans, many of whom have refugee and refugee-like statuses. The country has long-standing reputation for its policies on education and healthcare, which benefitted Afghan nationals. The EU is committed to supporting Iran in the implementation of these policies, aiming to mitigate the challenges posed by the ongoing Afghan crisis. 

Since 2012, the EU has actively supported the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). This strategy is dedicated to facilitating durable solutions for Afghan refugees and their host communities in Afghanistan and the neighbouring regions. Through the SSAR framework, the EU promotes access to rights, essential services, and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable Afghan populations and their host communities in Iran. 

Additionally, Afghan refugees and their host communities in Iran benefit from the Regional Team Europe Initiative on the Afghan displacement crisis. This initiative, led by the EU, involves 12 EU Member States along with relevant Commission Services, focusing on protection, livelihoods, basic services, and migration management.

As a result of the continuously high needs, in November 2024, the European Commission adopted the new Regional Programme in support of durable solutions for displaced and returning Afghan and their host communities with a total value of €48 million. €36 million have been allocated to continue supporting Afghan refugees at the regional level (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Central Asia), while €12 million have been contracted for actions implemented in Iran only. 

In Iran, the new programme is adapted to complement regional activities to increase access to essential services, improve protection as well as respect of their rights, and support their economic self-reliance as well as food security with a focus on the most vulnerable. Children are especially vulnerable in this context. A second component of the programme aims to improve the well-being of Afghan children and their families in Iran. This is done to address these barriers and facilitate access of Afghan children to key services in the areas of health and nutrition, education and employability, and child protection, while strengthening the continued provision of quality services for all children, notwithstanding their nationality.