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^*, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, Georgia, Iceland⁺, Liechtenstein⁺, Norway⁺ and San Marino.

We take note of today’s decision to designate for IAEA Board membership in 2023-24, the countries most advanced in nuclear technology, in accordance with Article VI.A.1 of the IAEA Statute.

One of the designated members continues to carry out a full-scale war of aggression against its neighbour, attacking its civilian nuclear infrastructure and even illegally seizing its nuclear facilities, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the IAEA Statute, and deliberately and repeatedly ignoring resolutions of the Board of Governors. This has created unprecedented nuclear safety and security threats, affecting all of us.

Once again, we demand the Russian Federation to stop its illegal war, unconditionally and immediately withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

We recall that the Statute of the Agency does not entail only rights and privileges, but also obligations and responsibilities. The IAEA members and in particular the Board members must respect the UN Charter and the IAEA Statute. It is high time for the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations under international law.

Thank you, Chair.

* Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and 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.