"Parliamentary questions

5 January 2021 E-000032/2021

Question for written answer to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Rule 138 Fulvio Martusciello (PPE) 

Subject: Parliamentary question on enrichment of uranium in Iran

An Iranian Government spokesperson has announced that enrichment of uranium to 20% purity has started at the underground plant in Fordow.

If this is indeed so, it represents a considerable departure from Iran’s commitments on nuclear energy, with serious implications for the non-proliferation of weapons.

Enrichment to over 90% purity is needed to build a nuclear reactor, which would exceed the 3.67% limit set by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the international agreement on nuclear energy signed by Iran in 2015 with France, Great Britain, the United States, China, Russia, Germany and the European Union.

Iran’s decision to continue to break with its commitments by stepping up its enrichment of uranium can only be explained by its desire to continue to pursue its aim of developing a military nuclear programme.

In light of this, can the Vice-President/High Representative Josep Borrel say:

1 What steps would the European Union like to take concerning Iran?
2 How will it enforce the agreements on nuclear energy signed by Iran in 2015?

Last updated: 22 January 2021".