Madam President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, Georgia, Iceland⁺, and Liechtenstein⁺.

The EU notes the decision of the Arab States not to table the resolution "Israeli Nuclear Capabilities" at this year's General Conference.

However, we are disappointed that this divisive issue has again been included on the agenda of the General Conference.

The EU remains convinced that a consensual approach, as set out in the 2010 NPT Review Conference Action Plan, is the only way to make progress towards implementing the 1995 NPT Resolution on the Middle East.

Thank you, Madam President.

* Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

+ Iceland and Liechtenstein are members of the EFTA and of the European Economic Area.