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Carnegie Europe

Why Europe’s Iran Policy Warrants a Rethink

Europe’s approach to Iran has focused mainly on the nuclear dossier, largely neglecting human rights and socioeconomic issues. To ensure a brighter future for all Iranians, the EU must place women’s rights at the center of a new comprehensive strategy toward Tehran.

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By Cornelius Adebahr and Barbara Mittelhammer
Published on Apr 12, 2023

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The Europe Program in Washington explores the political and security developments within Europe, transatlantic relations, and Europe’s global role. Working in coordination with Carnegie Europe in Brussels, the program brings together U.S. and European policymakers and experts on strategic issues facing Europe.

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Iranians are revolting against a regime built on the systematic oppression of women, marginalized groups, and civil society. Against this background, as well as Tehran’s ties with authoritarian powers and the risk of escalating the nuclear file, the EU must reorient its approach by placing human rights and security at the center of its policy. Only then can it play a greater role in ensuring a brighter future for all Iranians and securing nuclear non-proliferation.

Cornelius Adebahr, a nonresident fellow at Carnegie Europe, and Barbara Mittelhammer, a political analyst and consultant, discuss how the feminist nature of the protests can transform the country and lead to a re-think of the EU’s relations with Tehran.

Hosted by

Cornelius Adebahr
Former Nonresident Fellow, Carnegie Europe
Cornelius Adebahr

Featuring

Barbara Mittelhammer

Barbara Mittelhammer is an independent political analyst and consultant. Her research focuses on human security, gender in peace and security, feminist foreign policy, and the role of civil society in foreign policy making.

Barbara Mittelhammer

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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