European Parliament Conference Urges Tougher EU Stance on Iran

A conference at the European Parliament on Wednesday called for a reassessment of Europe’s policy toward Iran, with several lawmakers and political figures urging stronger action over human rights concerns, including the use of capital punishment.

The event, titled “Iran: A Practical Step to Stop Executions… Where Does the European Union Stand?”, brought together members of parliament, officials and Maryam Rajavi, a leading figure in the opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

Participants discussed recent developments in Iran, including reported executions and the broader political situation, with some speakers arguing that the European Union should place greater emphasis on human rights in its engagement with Tehran.

Rajavi said the main conflict in Iran is internal, describing it as a struggle between the authorities and segments of the population. She accused the government of using regional tensions as a pretext to intensify domestic repression, including executions. Reuters could not independently verify the figures cited during the conference.

Iranian authorities have previously defended their use of the death penalty as consistent with domestic law and have rejected external criticism as interference in internal affairs.

Several European lawmakers echoed calls for a firmer EU stance. Javier Zarzalejos said Europe should not remain silent on executions, while Petras Auštrevičius argued that developments in Iran have implications beyond its borders, including for regional stability and European security.

Other speakers highlighted differing aspects of EU policy. Francisco Assis said the international context should not overshadow domestic issues in Iran, while Antonio López-Istúriz White noted that the European Parliament has taken positions that go further than some EU governments, including discussions on designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Some participants also referred to proposals by the NCRI, including a political transition plan and calls for democratic reforms. However, such proposals are not endorsed by the European Union, which maintains diplomatic engagement with Tehran on multiple fronts, including its nuclear programme.

The conference reflected ongoing debate within Europe over how to balance diplomatic engagement with pressure on human rights. While some policymakers advocate tougher measures, others support maintaining dialogue to address security and regional issues.

The European Union has repeatedly raised concerns over human rights in Iran, including the use of the death penalty, while also pursuing negotiations on broader geopolitical matters.