Cuba deposited its instruments of ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 4 February 2021. This brings the total number of States that have signed and ratified the CTBT to 169 while 185 States have signed it, including all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

The entry into force and universal adherence to this Treaty is a top priority for the European Union. It is a strong confidence and security building measure at international, regional and bilateral level, with a solid and effective verification mechanism. We urge all States that have not yet done so, in particular those listed in Annex II of the Treaty, to sign and ratify the Treaty without any preconditions or further delay. In the meantime, we call on all States to abide by a moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosion, and to refrain from any action that would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty.

Building on the results of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogues on Non-proliferation and Disarmament, we are looking forward to work with Cuba to promote the CTBT and its universal adherence, to support the International Monitoring System and to participate in the scientific exchanges promoted by the CTBT Organisation.