Debate: Recommendation to the VPC/HR and to the Council in preparation of the  Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty  review process, nuclear arms control and nuclear disarmament options
Date: TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2020
Speaker: Josep Borrell Fontelles
Language: EN

We are all concerned about the deteriorating security environment and the continued pressure on the nuclear non-proliferation architecture, as illustrated by the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. We very much regretted it when it happened and we continue to regret it now.  It is essential that all state parties comply with their Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations and fully implement all commitments under the Treaty. Upholding and preserving the Non-Proliferation Treaty must remain a key priority for European Union foreign policy. The European Union strongly supports all three pillars of the Treaty – non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy – and we will continue to promote a comprehensive, balanced and full implementation of the 2010 Review Conference Action Plan.  Through intensive diplomatic engagement, backed up by the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), under the Council decision we are promoting the ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the preparation of negotiations for a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. We are also proud to support the regional conference in preparation for the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference. We are also going to double our efforts to uphold international norms, to restore dialogue and trust, and to promote transparency and confidence-building measures. Together with Member States, we are preparing a strong and forward-looking common European Union position for the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, and I would like to stress some of the key elements of our position in the context of your report. First, we will continue to call strongly on the United States and Russia to extend the New START Treaty before February 2021, and we will encourage negotiations for a broader future agreement. Second, we welcome the various initiatives for nuclear disarmament, including the Stockholm Initiative. Third, we acknowledge the increased attention given to risk reduction and we hope discussions on this topic gain broad support.  The promotion of universal adherence and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, as I have already mentioned, remain top priorities for the European Union and this conference will also provide an opportunity to address the non-proliferation crisis. We continue to call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to refrain from further provocations and to take concrete steps towards abandoning all its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.  We will also reaffirm our commitment and support for the Iran nuclear deal, the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We deeply regret the United States’ 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the subsequent reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran. At the same time, we are gravely concerned by Iran’s activities that are inconsistent with the JCPOA and have severe proliferation implications. Finally, let me underline that we also take due note of your proposal to encourage talks on the possibility of a multilateral ballistic missile treaty. Thank you for all your comments, observations and proposals. Mr Mikser, Honourable Members, I look forward to listening to your views and I thank you for your attention.