On 26 April, the US announced its intention to revoke its status as a signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) regulating conventional weapons, including small arms, battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships. The European Union strongly supports the Arms Trade Treaty which is a key multilateral instrument that aims to strengthen responsibility and transparency in the international arms trade and prevent and eradicate illicit trade, thus contributing to international efforts to ensure peace, security and stability. All 28 Member States have joined the ATT and are determined in pursuing its objectives and its universal ratification and implementation. The unregulated arms trade continues to cause major suffering in many parts of the world, fuelling conflicts, terrorism and organised crime. Small arms and light weapons kill around 500,000 people every year, in addition to the victims of other conventional weapons. A decision by the US to revoke its signature would not contribute to the ongoing efforts to encourage transparency in the international arms trade, to prevent illicit trafficking and to combat the diversion of conventional arms. The EU will continue to call on all States, and in particular the major arms exporters and importers, to join the Arms Trade Treaty without delay