Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The following countries align themselves with this statement: North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Iceland+, Liechtenstein+, Norway+, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and San Marino. Also Australia aligns itself with this EU statement.

The EU demands that the Russian Federation cease immediately its military aggression against Ukraine and withdraw all its forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. We recall that the Russian Federation, an IAEA Board member, is conducting armed attacks in and around peaceful nuclear sites of another sovereign State and even occupying its nuclear facilities, in flagrant violation of international law, nuclear safety and security principles and standards, and other rules and norms. It is high time for the Russian Federation to heed the call by the international community and comply with its obligations under the UN Charter and the IAEA Statute.

With regard to the designation of members to serve on the IAEA Board of Governors in 2022-2023, the EU and its Member States acknowledge that this is based on Article VI.A.1 of the IAEA Statute, according to which the outgoing Board of Governors shall designate for membership on the Board the most advanced members in the field of nuclear technology, thus also including the name of the Russian Federation.

The Statute of the Agency makes clear that membership in the IAEA does not entail only rights and privileges, but also obligations and responsibilities. In this regard, we recall Article IV of the Statute which requires that States are able and willing to carry out the obligations of membership in the Agency, giving due consideration to their ability and willingness to act in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Within this context, especially Board members should lead by example and respect international law and the IAEA Statute.

Thank you, Chair

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

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