Statement by the Spokesperson on the launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Today's further launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is in outright violation of the DPRK's international obligations, as set out in several UN Security Council Resolutions.

As stated during the most recent meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in July, the European Union is united in its assessment that these actions of the DPRK represent a serious threat to international peace and security. We expect the DPRK to refrain from any further provocative action that could increase regional and global tensions.

As the European Union, we expect the DPRK to comply without delay, fully and unconditionally, with its obligations under all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue aimed at pursuing the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, through peaceful means. The European Union is ready to support such a process in consultation with key partners.

The High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini, will address the issue during her meetings in the coming days with the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Korea and other international partners, notably in the margins of the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial meeting in Manila on 6 and 7 August.