EU Statement - Extraordinary Board of Governors International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.

We thank members of the Arab Group for convening this extraordinary Board meeting due to an attack against the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE on 17 May. We strongly condemn this attack, which has threatened nuclear safety in the country. These attacks must cease immediately. We reaffirm our full solidarity with the UAE. 

The EU also thanks the Director General for his opening remarks and update on the situation at the Barakah Nuclear Power plant that he recently visited. We also take note of his briefing to the United Nations Security Council, delivered on 19 May.

The EU is concerned over the potential implications of this armed attack against a nuclear facility devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes, recalls the importance of upholding the IAEA’s seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security in armed conflict and calls upon all parties to refrain from such actions, in accordance with international law. In this context, we note the relevant IAEA General Conference resolutions regarding armed attacks against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes, in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols thereto.

We urge all parties to refrain from attacks targeting nuclear power plants and elements of the electricity network important to their off-site power supply which may risk compromising nuclear safety and security. Reliable off-site power supply is a fundamental prerequisite for maintaining essential nuclear safety functions as emphasized by Board resolutions regarding implications of attacks on energy infrastructure critical to safety and security of nuclear power plants. Such attacks must stop immediately, and we call upon all parties to comply with their obligations in this area, particularly international humanitarian law. As mentioned by the Director General in his statement at the UNSC, “In case of an attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plan a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment”.

The EU commends the UAE for providing the IAEA with timely information about affected nuclear facilities and their respective sites. Immediate engagement with the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Center together with the timely provision of accurate and technically substantiated information through established IAEA mechanisms, is essential for maintaining international confidence, supporting independent regulatory assessment and ensuring transparent communication with the public. We also note the strong coordination between the EU’s Joint Research Centre and the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Emergency Management Centre and their joint preparation for emergencies. 

The EU will continue to engage with partners in the region to contribute to de-escalation and regional stability. In that respect, we call for the full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which urges Iran to cease its attacks against the Gulf states and Jordan, and for the full respect of international law by all parties, including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

In conclusion, we reiterate our unwavering support for the Director General and the IAEA’s efforts in helping to ensure nuclear safety, security and compliance with the international non-proliferation regime under unprecedented circumstances. We also commend the dedication and professionalism of the Agency’s staff.