EU Statement at the IAEA Board of Governors under AOB on AUKUS, delivered on 13 June 2025

Chair,

On behalf of the European Union, I would like to put on record our position on AUKUS. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.

The EU attaches great importance to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the integrity of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The IAEA is the competent body to ensure full, impartial, independent and objective implementation of safeguards. Full consideration must be given to any proliferation implications and risks. 

We have noted Australia’s stated commitment, in connection with any nuclear propulsion programme, not to produce nuclear fuel, enrich uranium or reprocess spent fuel.

We stress the importance of respecting the IAEA Secretariat’s role and responsibilities on procedural matters such as setting the Board agenda and its independent mandate to engage directly with concerned Member States on safeguards and verification matters.

We look forward to further reporting by the IAEA Director General, as appropriate, and to taking appropriate action once an arrangement with Australia is finalised.

Thank you, Chair.