Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2011

Dealing with Iran: How can the EU Achieve its strategic Objectives?

Shirin Pakfar

May 2011

Danish Institute for International Studies

Abstract

The European Union has a unique opportunity to prove its relevance as a global foreign policy actor through resolving the international community's standoff with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Using its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and its member states, the EU should utilize its powerful trade and energy ties with Tehran to embark on a dialogue with the regime that goes beyond the nuclear programme and addresses a broader set of issues of mutual concern.