EU Statement on the Israeli Nuclear Capabilities as delivered under agenda item 9 (AOB) at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on 10 March 2022.

Mr. Chairman,

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

The European Union would like to respond to comments made by some Member States today. The EU is disappointed that the issue of Israeli Nuclear Capabilities has once again been brought before this Board. We are of the opinion that bilateral, regional or other political issues should not affect the work of a technical organisation such as the IAEA. 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, Mr. Chairman.

*Candidate Countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia 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.