European Union

In addition to its work with the relevant UN organisations, the EU Delegation also follows discussions and exchanges information with other international organisations:

CTBTO

The EU Delegation follows developments with regard to the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). 

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 September 1996. With the CTBT’s opening for signature on 24 September 1996, a de-facto international norm against nuclear testing was established. Currently there are 183 Member States who have signed and 157 who have ratified the CTBT, including three nuclear weapon States - France, United Kingdom and Russia.

The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) was created as an interim organisation tasked with building up the verification regime of the CTBT in preparation for the Treaty's entry into force, as well as promoting the Treaty's universality. The Commission consists of two main organs: a Plenary (also known as the Preparatory Commission) and the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS).

As part of the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, the European Union has always been a strong supporter of the Treaty. The EU has supported the CTBTO Preparatory Commission with five separate voluntary contributions to date: The most recent was approved on 13 November 2012 by the Council of the European Union. This contribution amounts to € 5,185,028 and will enable the CTBTO to further enhance its verification regime to detect any nuclear explosion and, in particular, to assist developing countries to participate actively in this multilateral verification effort. 

In total the EU has contributed over € 15.5 million to the CTBTO Preparatory Commission since 2006. 

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement promotes transparency and responsibility in the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. Participating States have to ensure that the transfer of these items do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities which undermine these goals, and are not diverted to support such capabilities. Currently, 26 EU Member States are participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement. The European Union is interested in following the developments within the Wassenaar Arrangement as the EC Regulation 428/2009 sets up a Community regime for the control of exports of dual-use goods and technologies.

NSG

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries which seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports. The NSG Guidelines are implemented by each Participating Government in accordance with its national laws and practices. Decisions on export applications are taken at the national level in accordance with national export licensing requirements. Euratom participates as an observer.

OPEC

The Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) aims to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among its member countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.