EU reaffirms commitment to Middle East nuclear-free zone at IAEA board

The European Union has reiterated its unwavering support for the creation of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, addressing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors during the “Any Other Business” (AOB) session.

Speaking on behalf of the EU, the statement was backed by several candidate countries, EFTA members, and other European nations. The EU affirmed its commitment to the goals of the 1995 NPT Resolution and the 2010 NPT Review Conference outcome, highlighting the importance of a region-wide consensus for establishing a weapons-of-mass-destruction (WMD)-free zone.

“The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders, particularly regional states, to engage in meaningful consultations to create an inclusive and consensus-driven process,” the statement emphasized, acknowledging the tense regional context.

The EU also underscored its support for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its three pillars, calling on all nations to sign and adhere to key disarmament agreements. It welcomed Qatar’s recent subscription to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and continued to push for universal subscription to WMD-related treaties.

“We will continue to support this process with the aim of fostering a conducive atmosphere for progress,” the EU affirmed, citing its recent allocation of €2.1 million to the UN Institute for Disarmament Research to advance these goals.