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Arms Trade Treaty Working Group Meetings - EU Key Messages - Working Group on Treaty Universalization

19.03.2026
Geneva
Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

EU Key Messages 

Arms Trade Treaty Working Group Meetings

Working Group on Treaty Universalization

Geneva, 16-19 March 2026

                                                            

Agenda item 5: Efforts by other ATT stakeholders to promote the universalization of ATT

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU and its Member States.

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Republic of Moldova as well as the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area align themselves with this statement.

  • The EU thanks WGTU Co-Chairs Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa Ms. Tsholofelo Tsheole and Ambassador Foradori of Argentina for presenting an overview of the universalization activities which they have undertaken and for all efforts made in that regard.

  • The EU welcomes ratification of the Treaty by Vanuatu and Ecuador and wishes them all the best in the preparations for effective implementation of the Treaty and reporting.

  • The EU and its Member States continue to actively pursue ATT universalization through the EU Outreach Project implemented for over a decade by German BAFA and Expertise France, currently in its 4th phase with 22 partner States in various regions. Activities are planned for the first semester of this year in the focus region, Asia and Pacific, to include inter alia a regional conference to identify approaches and challenges associated with universalization in that region. 

  • The opportunities under the EU project were also presented during the universalization roundtable co-organized by the ATT Secretariat, CSP12 Presidency and the EU with interested States and non-governmental stakeholders in February. 

  • The EU reiterates its commitment to universalization and openness for suggestions for engagement in identifying potential needs of States Parties, as well as national and regional challenges. The EU also appreciates the ongoing cooperation with WGTU co-Chairs and regional universalization champions, regional organizations, and civil society in areas where our focus converges.    

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     North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.