Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina[1]  and Georgia, as well as the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

The EU attaches great importance to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the integrity of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The EU is of the view that the IAEA is the competent body to ensure full, impartial, independent and objective implementation of safeguards. It is important that full consideration be given to any proliferation implications and risks.   

We have noted Australia’s stated commitment, in connection with any nuclear propulsion programme, not to produce nuclear fuel, enrich uranium or reprocess spent fuel. 

We stress the importance of respecting the Secretariat’s role and responsibilities on procedural matters, including the IAEA Secretariat’s mandate to engage directly with concerned Member States on safeguards and verification matters. 

We do not consider it necessary to have a standing item on AUKUS on the Board agenda, or to establish parallel intergovernmental processes, given the technical work by the Secretariat which is still ongoing.  

We look forward to further reporting by the IAEA Director General, as appropriate, and to taking appropriate action once an arrangement is finalised. 

Thank you, Chair. 

[1] North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.