Source: European Parliament
The Council has not discussed the issue of calling for the ratification of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons raised by the Honourable Member.
It recalls that since the adoption of its strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in 2003, the EU has attached utmost importance to defend and uphold the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation architecture.
The EU strongly supports the balanced and full implementation of all provisions of the NPT, the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article VI and an important element in the development of nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes.
The EU stresses the need for concrete progress towards the full implementation of Article VI with the ultimate goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons, taking into account the special responsibility of the States that possess the largest nuclear arsenals.
The Council recognises the serious nuclear proliferation challenges which remain a threat to international security, the need to find peaceful and diplomatic solutions to them, and stresses that the international community needs to remain vigilant and ready to face and address these challenges in a resolute manner.
In this respect, the EU considers the start of negotiations on a Treaty banning the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons or other explosive devices in the Conference on Disarmament in accordance with document CD/1299 and the mandate contained therein, and the universalization and entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty of crucial importance to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
They remain a top priority for the European Union.