#EUFridays by JEF Hungary #31
Krisztina Paulik
Oct-21-2022
New sanctions could be imposed on Iran
The EU has already introduced some sanctions on Iran for violating human rights with the crackdown on the protest taken place due to Masha Amini’s death in police custody. However, just in a few days, new sanctions could be imposed on Iran. Ukraine accused Tehran for providing Russsia with drones, which have been used to attack the capital. According to the Kyiv City State Administration, 28 drones have been used, with five of them participating in the explosions on Monday. The U.S. also made these accusations which Iran completely denied.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign affair chief declared in a press conference: „We are following very closely the use of these drones, we are gathering evidence and we will be ready to react with the tools at our disposal”. Two EU officials who preferred to be anonymous said that the punitive measures on Iran could be introduced in a few days. France and the U. K. warned that supplies of weapons to Russia sent by Iran could violate the 2015 nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).
Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine
On the 30 September 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine requested military support from the European Union. In response to this request, on the 17 October, the European Council decided to set up a Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) in order to enhancing the military capability of the country’s armed forces. It helps to Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against the Russian aggression and to protect civilians. From EUMAM Ukraine, Ukraine’s Armed Forces can receive individual, collective and specialised trainings.
The Mission Commander will be Vice Admiral Hervé Blejean. EUMAM Ukraine will operate in the EU member states and will have its Operational Headquarters. The mandate of EUMAM Ukraine will last two years.
Green partnership deal between EU and Morocco
On Tuesday (October 18), Morocco’s diplomat Nasser Bourita and Frans Timmermans, the EU Commission deputy head signed a „green partnership” deal in Rabat. Morocco and the European Union hope the agreement will boost cooperation on renewable energy. The African country would like to offer alternatives for European countries trying to reduce the use of fossil energy sources. The agreement would also initiate private sector involvement in the fight against climate change.
According to Nasser Bourita, this agreement shows that the discussion on climate change is a question of action and Morocco is currently trying to transform commitments into reality. In addition, the COP27 (the 27th session of the UN Climate Change Conference) will be organised in November, that is the reason why it is a good occasion to make a green partnership deal.