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A "deal" that has near-zero value for both parties where the EU is more trying to save face by showing it is "independent" while trying to not anger the USA any
by m0skit0 8y ago
A "deal" that has near-zero value for both parties where the EU is more trying to save face by showing it is "independent" while trying to not anger the USA anyway by applying other sanctions. IMHO this is a pretty weak move from the EU, and shows that there is no clear driver behind the EU wheel after the souring of US-EU relations.
- ddalex 8y agoLol, what? This deal is entirely designed to cut US out the loop of international payments, one step at a time. It is extremely valuable to EU to able to conduct oil payments with Iran directly in Euro, without the US being able to say no.
- m0skit0 8y agoDid you read the article? "The European trade vehicle was conceived as a way to help match Iranian oil and gas exports against purchases of EU goods. However, those ambitions have been toned down, with diplomats saying that, realistically, it will be used only for smaller trade, for example of humanitarian products or food." So effectively the EU-Iran trade deal is just a diplomatic move rather than a real trade deal. Also EU companies do not want to risk getting sanctioned by the US by getting into any trade with Iran.
- cannabis_sam 8y agoStill, it’s a diplomatic move that would have been inconceivable (IMHO) under Obama or Bush..
- m0skit0 8y agoOfc, because with Trump the US-EU relation has got to an all-time low, and now the EU tries to look independent even if it can't but ofc you need to show your voters you are not sold to US interests.