اثرات گسترش اتحادیه اروپا بر روند تجارت و سرمایه گذاری خارجی در ایران[The Effects of European Union Enlargement on Trade and Foreign Investment in Iran]

Economic integration has been pursued worldwide over the past half-century as a means of accessing larger markets and fostering growth. Since its establishment in 1952, the European Union has expanded through six rounds of enlargement, reaching 27 member states by 2007. EU enlargement has a dual effect on Iran’s accession to the WTO: it complicates and prolongs the process, yet successful trade negotiations with the EU could accelerate accession.Given that EU members are major destinations for Iran’s non-oil exports, compliance with European standards is essential for Iranian exporters. At the same time, the role of European countries in Iran’s imports is increasing. However, enlargement also induces trade diversion toward the EU, reducing Iran’s export opportunities elsewhere. Moreover, capital flows are redirected inward to the Union, limiting Iran’s potential to attract European foreign investment. For non-EU countries, expansion of the euro area has implications for currency portfolios, as the euro’s role in international transactions grows relative to the dollar.