Schaake: "Today's signal from Europe is crystal clear. We need to safeguard our own policy space. The Commission's proposals should ensure that European companies can continue to do business in Iran, as long as that country abides by the nuclear agreement. Not only does this illustrate our credibility, it also provides us with an opportunity to keep talking to the Iranian regime, especially about topics that are important to Europe."
Critical engagement
Schaake emphasises that the nuclear agreement with Iran cannot distract from raising other critical topics with Iran’s leaders.
Schaake: "It is a welcome step that the Iran has committed to curbing its uranium production. Yet on other fronts, the Iran regime isn't playing by the rules at all. Human rights continue to be violated on a systematic scale and Iran's military and political role in countries such as Syria, Lebanon and Yemen has devastating consequences. It is essential that Europe continues to condemn such behaviour. We cannot let the nuclear deal hold us hostage."
