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EU Statement – UN Open Briefing: UN Security council 1540 Committee

29.10.2025
New York

29 October 2025, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States delivered by the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Open Briefing for Member States and International, Regional and Subregional Organisations of the UN Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1540 

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Mr. Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina* , and Georgia align themselves with this statement.

 

For the EU, Security Council Resolution 1540 represents a central pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture. The resolution plays a key role in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-state actors, including for terrorist purposes. Unfortunately, non-state actors are a significant force in modern conflicts, contributing to their increasing complexity and changing their nature.

Thus, the EU remains fully committed to supporting the effective and universal implementation of this critical resolution. I would like to thank the 1540 Committee for its dedicated work and for organising this Open Briefing, which contributes to the implementation of resolution 1540. We would also like to thank Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba of Panama and wish him continued success, particularly in leading preparations for the upcoming Comprehensive Review Process of the Status of Implementation of Resolution 1540. 

The EU was pleased to see that on the occasion of the briefing by the Chair to the UNSC in August, all Council members reiterated their support to the 1540 resolution as a key component of the non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. The extension of the Committee’s mandate to November 2032 provides an opportunity to address the increased risks and threats as well as new challenges, such as the use of AI in the context of WMD proliferation.

While we positively acknowledge progress, I would like to underline the importance of strengthening the Group of Experts where the issue of appointments remains unresolved. It is essential to ensure the conditions that allow the Group of Friends to work efficiently on a continuous basis, including through the mandated review of internal guidelines. A crucial step forward is also a more inclusive approach to non-proliferation through the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, as stressed in the new mandate, as well as cooperation with civil society and private sector.

Mr. Chair,

EU Member States are at the forefront of implementing the provisions of Resolution 1540 in their national legislation and are strong and active supporters of its universal implementation. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine has underscored the relevance of this resolution in conflict settings, exposing the vulnerabilities of chemical and biological facilities, and highlighting in particular risks to nuclear facilities. It calls to the fore the importance of robust controls and monitoring to ensure global security. We particularly underline the crucial role of effective export controls to avoid sensitive goods or technology falling into the wrong hands. 

Mr. Chair,

The EU is committed to partnering with UN Member States to achieve the objectives of Resolution 1540. Since 2006, the EU has provided support to the implementation of resolution 1540 to the tune of over EUR 6 million. Just over the past three years, the EU support amounted to over EUR 2.3 million. Maintaining financial support to UNODA’s Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament Activities is particularly important, given the current strained financial context, in order to ensure effective support for implementing resolution 1540.   

In conclusion, the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to the universal and effective implementation of Resolution 1540. The EU remains committed to ensure continued progress and encourages all members of the Security Council to actively support work to enhance the implementation of resolution 1540. The EU stands ready to continue assisting partner countries in building their capacities, strengthening non-proliferation efforts, and ensuring global security.

Thank you.

 


 

*North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.