Strategic Assessment

The European Union is regarded as a promoter of peace and stability in its own and neighboring spheres, employing economic and political means. However, whether it is willing and able to take on this role in the realm of nuclear policy remains an open question. The challenge for the EU lies with implementing the principles of effective multilateralism; promotion of a stable international and regional environment; and cooperation with partners. This entails making tougher and more credible threats, so as to isolate politically and economically countries of concern – currently led by Iran – if they do not cooperate in clarifying suspicious behavior with respect to their handling of the WMD question.