D-IQ - European Parliament

General documents - DRAFT CALENDAR OF MEETINGS for the second semester of 2023 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:29:36 GMT

Thursday, 6 July at 14h00-15h00 in Brussels

Thursday, 21 September, at 14h00-15h00, Brussels

Monday, 9 October, at 14h00-15h00 in Brussels

Thursday. 9 November, at 15h00-16h00 in Brussels

Thursday, 7 December, at 14h00-15h00 in Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Next meeting on 06/07/2023 @ 14.00 in Brussels - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:21:37 GMT

The next meeting of the Delegation for relations with Iraq (D-IQ) will take place on Thursday, 6 July 2023, in Brussels, at 14h00-15h00. (CET) in room SPINELLI - SPAAK 4B1
The main issue in the agenda will be an exchange of views on the prospects for economic cooperation and support for foreign direct investments to Iraq with:
· Ms Anna Maria Panagiotakopoulou, Head of the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq division at the European External Action Service (EEAS)

· Ms Sarah Rinaldi, Head of Middle East and Central Asia Unit at DG International Partnerships

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Latest news - Next meeting on 06/07/2023 @ 14.00 in Brussels - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:20:42 GMT

· Ms Anna Maria Panagiotakopoulou, Head of the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq division at the European External Action Service (EEAS)

· Ms Sarah Rinaldi, Head of Middle East and Central Asia Unit at DG International Partnerships

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Inter-parliamentary meeting EP-Council of Representatives Iraq, 6-9 March 2023 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:35:09 GMT

The EP Delegation attended the Seventh Inter-Parliamentary Meeting, the first held in Baghdad since 2011, between the European Parliament and the Council of Representatives of Iraq. MEPs held high-level meetings with Iraqi and Iraqi Kurdistan authorities in Baghdad and Erbil and paid a touching visit to war-shattered Mosul.

The European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Republic of Iraq (D-IQ), led by its chair, Ms Sara Skyttedal (EPP, SE), and composed by MEPs Domenec Ruiz Devesa (S&D, ES) and Marco Campomenosi (ID, IT), travelled to Iraq from 6 to 9 March 2023.

During the meeting, MEPs engaged in fruitful discussions with their Iraqi colleagues on a range of important issues, including political and economic developments in Iraq, security, human rights, respect of minorities, and regional stability.

See the attached mission report following the visit to Iraq of 6-9 March 2023 and the Seventh Inter-Parliamentary Meeting with the Council of Representatives of Iraq for more information.

MISSION REPORT

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of the Bureau, on 20/03/23, with the Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:31:46 GMT

On Monday 20 March 2023, from 13.30 to 14.30, at the European Parliament in Brussels, Mr Domènec Ruiz Devesa, First Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Republic of Iraq, and Ms Abir Al-Sahlani, Second Vice-Chair, meet with H.E. Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Press release on the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Republic of Iraq visit to Baghdad, Erbil and Mosul (6-9 March 2023) - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:51:21 GMT

Brussels, 14/03/2023

The EP Delegation attended the Sixth Inter-Parliamentary Meeting, the first held in Baghdad since 2011, between the European Parliament and the Council of Representatives of Iraq. MEPs held high-level meetings with Iraqi and Iraqi Kurdistan authorities in Baghdad and Erbil and paid a touching visit to war-shattered Mosul.

The European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Republic of Iraq (D-IQ), led by its chair, Ms Sara Skyttedal (EPP, SE), and composed by MEPs Domènec Ruiz Devesa (S&D, ES) and Marco Campomenosi (ID, IT), travelled to Iraq from 6 to 9 March 2023.

MEPs also acknowledged the challenges faced by Iraq in its efforts to build a stable, democratic, and inclusive society, and expressed their continued support for Iraq's political and economic reform agenda. Members also discussed the importance of regional stability, reiterated their condemnation of any forms of foreign interference and violations of national sovereignty, and underscored the importance of a coordinated international response to global and regional challenges. Members of both Parliaments discussed ways to proceed with the establishment of a working Joint Parliamentary Committee as foreseen in the EU-IRAQ Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

The Delegation was received by H.E. Abdul Latif Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq and held fruitful exchanges of views with Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Prime Minister and Mr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The EP delegation also met with Lieutenant General Giovanni Iannucci, NATO commander in Iraq and Mr. Anders Wiberg, Head of the European Union's Advisory Mission in Iraq.

The second part of the mission was dedicated to Iraqi Kurdistan. In Erbil, Members met with Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan region, representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) as well as with Mr Hemin Hawrami Deputy Speaker of the Kurdish consultative Council. During the meeting, the current political situation in the Iraqi Kurdistan was also discussed.

On the last day, Members travelled to Mosul where they met Archbishop Najib Mikhael Moussa, a previous nominee for the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize, ,and visited the EU-funded UNESCO project aiming at rebuilding the old town of Mosul. The EP Delegation finally met with the local community and expressed in the strongest terms their condemnation of the atrocities committed by the Islamic State against Christians and other minorities during the Islamic State (ISIS) occupation of Mosul in 2014. The Delegation finally met with H. G. Mar Abrs Youkhanan (Bishop of Erbil of the Assyrian Church).

In concluding the visit, Ms Sara Skyttedal, the Chair of D-IQ delegation, stated that:

We welcome the resumption of the inter-parliamentary meetings with the Council of Representatives of the Republic of Iraq, which marks a new start in the EU-Iraq parliamentary relations. Based on the constructive exchanges held with our counterpart, we agreed to commit to work on the establishment of a working Joint Parliamentary Committee between our respective parliaments with the aim to upgrade of our bilateral relations.

We also express the hope that the new Iraqi government may achieve the necessary reforms to face the most pressing institutional, economic, and social challenges, and to find a sustainable understanding with the Kurdish Regional Government.

On the European Parliament side, we end this visit convinced that the EU must continue supporting the democratic transition of Iraq, and working to ensure closer economic and political relations with Iraq in the framework of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

For further information contact:

Office of Ms Sara SKYTTEDAL- Tel. (+32) 2 28 45241 - em@il: sara.skyttedal@europarl.europa.eu

EuroMed and Middle East Unit - em@il - d-irq@europarl.europa.eu

Press release

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of the Delegation on Monday 27 February 20223 in Brussels - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:24:45 GMT

The Delegation met "in camera" in order to discuss the current political situation in Iraq, and to prepare the next mission to Iraq from 5 to 10 March 2023.

They held a very fruitfull exchange of views with Mr Ville VARJOLA, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of the Delegation - Thursday, 12 January 2023 @ 09:00 in Brussels - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 13:04:51 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with Iraq (D-IQ) took place on Thursday, 12 January 2023, in Brussels, room SPINELLI 5E2, at 09h00-10h00. (CET)

The meeting was devoted to an exchange of views on the state of play and future scenarios of the political situation in Iraq, in the presence of H.E. Ahmed Tahsin BERWARI, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the European Union.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Statement by the Chair on the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:21:43 GMT

Brussels, 18/11/2022

Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, expresses her firmest condemnation of the rockets fired in the Iraqi city of Koye, claimed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which has resulted in one death and multiple injured.

The Chair unconditionally rejects this blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no justification for such an act of violence against the territory of a sovereign country. Ms Skyttedal calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid undermining the democratic transition in Iraq.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, Ms Skyttedal reaffirms the European Parliament's lasting support to the Iraqi people, the Iraqi government and the regional government of Kurdistan.

Background

On 14 November, one person was killed after rockets fired by Iran hit the headquarters of an Iranian Kurdish party in the Iraqi city of Koye, near Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq. According to Kurdish security sources, drones targeted two bases for Iranian Kurdish dissidents near Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.

For further information contact:

Office of Sara Skyttedal
Tel. (+32) 2 28 45241
email: sara.skyttedal @europarl.europa.eu

EuroMed and Middle East Unit
email: d-iq@europarl.europa.eu

Statement by the Chair on the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq (pdf)

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Statement by the Chair on the recent election of Mohammed Shia' Sabbar al-Sudani as Prime Minister of Iraq - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:51:57 GMT

Brussels, 14/11/2022

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Iraq, I would like to congratulate H.E Mohammed Shia' Sabbar al-Sudani on his recent election to the position of Prime Minister of Iraq.

The election of Prime Minister al-Sudani comes at a delicate time for the Republic of Iraq, after more than a year of political deadlock.

The hope is that the new government can work to achieve the necessary reforms, in particular ensuring the conditions for early elections within a year, addressing corruption, and finding a sustainable solution to relations with the semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). The successfully achievements of government's objectives would send a positive message both domestically and internationally, and demonstrate that the democratic transition of Iraq, albeit hindrances, is steadily progressing.

The Delegation for Relations with Iraq looks forward to continuing together the excellent cooperation between the European Parliament and the Council of Representatives of Iraq and plans to pay an official visit to Iraq, in 2023.

For further information contact:

Office of Sara Skyttedal
Tel. (+32) 2 28 45241
Email: sara.skyttedal @europarl.europa.eu

EuroMed and Middle East Unit - d-iq@europarl.europa.eu

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP’s Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the growing political turmoil in Iraq - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:42:11 GMT

04/08/2022

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, deplores the recent deterioration of relations among political parties in Iraq, which has resulted in the occupation of the Iraqi Council of Representatives by protesters and in a relatively high number of injured persons.

The Chair of the Delegation for relations with Iraq has been following with growing preoccupation the persistent political deadlock, which has prevented Iraq from having a new Executive more than 10 months after elections successfully took place in the country.

Ms Skyttedal calls upon all those concerned to avoid further confrontation, defuse tensions in the country and prevent further unrest and related violence.

Ms Skyttedal strongly believes that an inclusive dialogue among all political forces and a patiently pursued reconciliation process involving all Iraqi constituencies are essential durinng this particularly sensitive phase, to secure the consolidation of Iraq's sovereignty, stability and the rule of law and proceed with long-expected political, economic and social reforms.

The Chair of the Delegation for relations with Iraq finally reiterates her call on the United Nations, the European Union and its Member States to continue supporting the reconciliation and democratisation process in Iraq.

Background

On 27 July 2022, hundreds of Iraqi political activists stormed the Iraqi Council of Representatives and occupied it for a few days.

This demonstration, which has resulted in several injured protesters and security forces, comes after more than 10 months of political deadlock, which has so far prevented Iraqi to have a full-functioning government.

The European External Action Service as well as the international community expressed concern about a possible escalation of the situation and recalled that the right to peaceful protest is essential to democracy if law and state institutions are respected.

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP’s Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the growing political turmoil in Iraq

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Latest news - Meeting of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq, Wednesday 6 July, Strasbourg - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 09:40:41 GMT

A meeting of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq took place on Wednesday 6 July in Strasbourg.
The items discussed were the following:

- Debriefing on the SEDE mission to Iraq (week 21 - May 2022) by Madame Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of EP's Sub-Committee on Security and Defense.

- Exchange of views and preparation of the mission to Iraq and Inter-Parliamentary Meeting with the Council of Representatives of Iraq (week 38 - September 2022)

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - D-IQ meeting, Wednesday 6 July, Strasbourg - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 09:39:23 GMT

A meeting of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq took place on Wednesday 6 July in Strasbourg.
The items discussed were the following:

- Debriefing on the SEDE mission to Iraq (week 21 - May 2022) by Madame Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of EP's Sub-Committee on Security and Defense.

- Exchange of views and preparation of the mission to Iraq and Inter-Parliamentary Meeting with the Council of Representatives of Iraq (week 38 - September 2022)

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Latest news - Meeting with Monseigneur Najeeb Moussa Michaeel, Archbishop of Mosul - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:29:50 GMT

On Wednesday 8 June, the European Parliament welcomed Monseigneur Najeeb Moussa Michaeel, Archbishop of Mosul and 2020 Sakharov Prize finalist.

Monseigneur Michaeel, who became a Sakharov Prize finalist for his role in promoting tolerance among religious communities in Iraq and saving religious and cultural heritage, came to Strasbourg upon the invitation of the Delegation for relations with Iraq, in the first in person meeting since before the pandemic. Monseigneur Michaeel also had the opportunity to bilaterally meet Members and leave his main messages to a broader audience in a short video.

Monseigneur Michaeel recalled the hardships minorities have experienced in Iraq during the last two decades. In particular, he highlighted the harsh period under ISIS rule, in which Islamist terrorists destroyed a large part of the Christian and Yazidi communities, not to mention the destruction of the cultural heritage, including temples and artefacts.

Monseigneur Michaeel provided Members with his account of the current situation of Iraq and pleaded for the international community to help rebuilding churches and help the minorities return to their homeland and retake their previous lives. He also draw attention to the fact that, even if not comparable to the ISIS period, there is still harassment and discrimination of minorities in the current Iraqi political situation.

Last but not least, Monseigneur Michaeel highlighted that many of the current threats to peace and security in Iraq arise from endemic corruption and the interference of international actors such as Iran, Turkey and the United States and pledged Iraq not to be forgotten in the international affairs priorities of institutions like the European Parliament.

Link to webstreaming
Ling to video

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of the Delegation for relations with Iraq, Wednesday 8 June - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 10:56:16 GMT

The next meeting of the Delegation for relations with Iraq will take place on Wednesday 8 June.
The main item on the agenda was an exchange of views with H.E. Moussa Najeeb Michaeel, Archbishop of Mosul and Sakharov Prize finalist, on religious minorities in Iraq.

Link to webstreaming

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:05:45 GMT

14 March 2022

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, condemns the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, I express, together with my colleagues, my condemnation of this unacceptable act of violence and violation of the Iraqi sovereignty by Iranian armed militias.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq denounces all violation of the Iraqi sovereignty and expresses its confidence that the citizens of Iraq will remain united in their resolute rejection of the attempts made by foreign countries and their armed forced both in Iraq and abroad to undermine the sovereignty and stability of their country.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq takes the view that it is in the common interest of all parties involved to abstain from any aggressive and violent action, which may undermine the fragile stability in the Middle East. It is essential, during these difficult times marked by the Russian aggression to Ukraine, to avoid the risk of further escalation of tensions both in Europe and in the Gulf.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq calls on all the parties involved and especially Iran to abstain from violence and instead find ways to overcome international clashes, in full consistency with international law and practices, in particular with regard to the respect of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all independent nations.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq finally reaffirms its lasting support to the Iraqi government and the regional government of Kurdistan and reiterates its call on the European Union and its Member States to reinforce their assistance to Iraq in the field of security and protection from external and internal threats.

Background

On 12 March 2022, Iran's Revolutionary Guards force based in Iran targeted an alleged Israeli "strategic centre" with missiles that struck the Iraqi Kurdish city of Irbil.

Twelve missiles hit areas around the local US consulate, causing severe material damage but no casualties.

The European External Action Service and the United States as well as the international community condemned the irresponsible action made by Iranian militias in the strongest terms.

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Latest news - Meeting of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq, 24 January 2022 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:08:09 GMT

A meeting of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq took place on 24 January 2022.

The main item debated was the political situation of Kurdistan and on a possible cooperation with the European Parliament, with the participation of Mr Hayman Salah HAWRAMI, Deputy-Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament.

General documents - D-IQ meeting of 6 December 2021 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:25:53 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq held a meeting remotely on 6 December 2021 dedicated to a:

Debate on the 2021 Iraqi parliamentary elections: a stepping-stone to the future of Iraq, with the participation of:

· Ms Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel, Chief Observer of the EU Electoral Observation Mission

· Mr Domènec Ruiz Devesa, Head of EP's EU Electoral Observation Mission

· The Ambassador of Iraq to the EU, Sadiq Al-Rikabi and Mr Delavar Ajgeiy, Head of KRG Mission to European Union

· Mr Gabriel Munuera Viñals, Head of Division for Arabian Peninsula and Iraq (MENA.4, Middle East and North Africa Region), European External Action Service (EEAS)

General documents - D-IQ meeting of 6 October 2021 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:22:01 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq held a meeting remotely on 6 October 2021 dedicated to an:

Exchange of views on the 2021 Iraqi parliamentary elections, with the participation of qualified experts and a representative of the European External Action Service

General documents - D_IQ meeting of 2 March 2021 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:21:35 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq held a meeting remotely on 2 March 2021 dedicated to an:

Exchange of views on the placing Iraq on the list of high risk countries for money laundering and terrorist funding with Ms Raluca Pruna, Financial Crime Unit, Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (FISMA)

General documents - D-IQ/DARP meeting of 1 July 2021 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:19:17 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq and the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula held a joint meeting on 1 July 2021 dedicated to an:

Exchange of views on the Iraq-GCC relations: current state of play and future perspectives, with the participation of

- H.E. Mr Nazar Al-Khairallah, Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iraq),

- Dr. Christian Koch, Gulf Research Center Foundation

- Selected Iraq and GCC diplomats

General documents - Joint D-IQ/ DMAS meeting of 27 May 2021 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:02:32 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq and the Delegation or relations with the Mashreq countries held a joint meeting remotely on 27 May dedicated to an:

Exchange of views on the EU's role in the Syrian and Iraqi conflicts and presentation of a study entitled "Band-aids, not bullets. EU policies and interventions in the Syrian and Iraqi civil wars" (Clingendael, 2021) with:

- Mr Erwin van Veen, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute;

- Mr Paolo Napolitano, International Consultant;

- Mr Gabriel Munuera Viñals, EEAS Head of Division, Arabian Peninsula and Iraq (MENA.4); and

- Ms Erika Ferrer, EEAS Head of Division, Middle East I - Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan (MENA.1)

General documents - D_IQ meeting of 8 February 2021 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:54:06 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq hold a meeting remotely on 8 February 2021 dedicated to an:

Exchange of views on the current situation in Iraq and on bilateral relations with the UE with H.E. Mr Martin Huth, EU Ambassador to Iraq

General documents - D_IQ meeting of 1 December 2020 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:52:08 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq hold a meeting remotely on 1 December 2020 dedicated to an:

Exchange of views on present situation of Human Rights in Iraq with:

- Ms Hanaa Edwar, Chairperson of the Iraqi Al-Amal Association, Bagdad

- Ms Belkis Wille, Senior Researcher, Crisis and Conflict Division, Human Rights Watch

- Ms Lahib Higel, Senior Analyst for Iraq, International Crisis Group

General documents - D_IQ meeting of 23 September 2020 - Delegation for relations with Iraq

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:51:00 GMT

The Delegation for relations with Iraq hold a meeting remotely on 23 September 2020 dedicated to an:

Exchange of views with Mr Delavar Ajgeiy, Head of the KRG Representation to the European Union on the current situation in the Iraqi Kurdistan and future regional challenges