Adam Bielan MEP, foreign affairs coordinator for the ECR Group, has requested that the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, reconsider the decision to send his chief of staff and deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, Enrique Mora, to the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

In a letter to Borrell, Bielan stated that it was not appropriate for the European Union to be represented at the ceremonies in Tehran at the end of July, as this would legitimise the Iranian regime. “This decision is not only misguided but stands in direct contradiction to the values and principles that the European Union purports to uphold,” Bielan stated in his letter. “We expect a swift and appropriate response to ensure that our foreign policy remains consistent with our shared values and commitments.”

Bielan said:

“Iran’s persistent support for terrorist activities and destabilising actions across the region poses a direct threat to global security and contradicts the EU’s commitment to democracy and human rights.

“Engaging diplomatically with such a regime at this juncture is highly inappropriate and dangerous. It undermines the integrity of our foreign policy and sends a message of tacit approval to a government that flagrantly violates human rights and international norms. This engagement is particularly problematic during a transitional period for the European Union, where significant actions should be approached with caution and respect for the incoming Commission.”

Mora also represented the European Union at the inauguration ceremony of Ebrahim Raisi as president of Iran in 2019, for which he was criticised by Iranian human rights activists.

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Mr Bielan’s letter reads in full:

Brussels, Belgium
26 July 2024

Dear High Representative,

As the representative of the ECR Group, I must express our strong disapproval regarding the recent decision to send Deputy Secretary General Mr. Enrique Mora to the inauguration of Iran’s next president, Masoud Pezeshkian. This decision is not only misguided but stands in direct contradiction to the values and principles that the European Union purports to uphold.
Iran’s regime has consistently shown a blatant disregard for human rights and international norms. The ongoing brutal repression of its own citizens, reflected in the alarming rate of executions and severe human rights abuses, underscores the regime’s tyrannical nature. Furthermore, Iran’s persistent support for terrorist activities and destabilising actions across the region poses a direct threat to global security and contradicts the EU’s commitment to democracy and human rights.
The regime’s influence extends beyond its borders, spreading extremism and undermining democratic societies. Recent events have highlighted the troubling extent of Iran’s efforts, such as financing protests in the United States to sow discord and instability in foreign nations. Such actions only reinforce the need for the EU to take a firm and unequivocal stance against this regime.
Engaging diplomatically with such a regime at this juncture is highly inappropriate and dangerous. It undermines the integrity of our foreign policy and sends a message of tacit approval to a government that flagrantly violates human rights and international norms. This engagement is particularly problematic during a transitional period for the European Union, where significant actions should be approached with caution and respect for the incoming Commission.
As such a decision in the final days of an outgoing Commission is unprofessional and uncollegial, we strongly urge you to reconsider this engagement with Iran. Our actions must
align with the core values and principles of the European Union. We must stand firm in our principles and ensure that our foreign policy reflects the values we hold dear.
Engaging with regimes that threaten peace and security sends the wrong message and undermines our credibility on the global stage. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. We expect a prompt and appropriate response to ensure our foreign policy remains consistent with our shared values and commitments.

Yours sincerely,

Adam Bielan

Member of the European Parliament,
AFET Committee Coordinator, ECR Group