Mr. Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*and Georgia, as well as San Marino align themselves with this statement.

Allow me to start by underlining the role of Security Council Resolution 1540, which remains a central pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture. The resolution plays a key role in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-state actors, including for terrorist purposes. The EU remains fully committed to supporting the effective and universal implementation of this critical resolution.

I would like to thank the 1540 Committee for organising this Open Briefing, which we see as an important element in enhancing the implementation of resolution 1540. We would like to also thank Ambassador De La Gasca of Ecuador and the Group of Experts for their dedicated work.

The EU welcomed the 2022 adoption of Resolution 2663. The extension of the 1540 Committee's mandate for another ten years provides the opportunity to enhance the Committee's work. While we positively acknowledge progress, allow me also to stress the importance of ensuring conditions that allow the Group of Experts to work efficiently on a continuous basis, including through the mandated review of internal guidelines for the Group of Experts. A crucial step forward is also a more inclusive approach to non-proliferation through the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, as stressed in the new mandate, as well as cooperation with civil society and private sector.

The EU Member States are at the forefront of implementing the provisions of Resolution 1540 in their national legislation and are strong and active supporters of its universal implementation. Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine has underscored the broader relevance of this resolution, exposing the vulnerabilities of chemical, biological, and nuclear facilities. This highlights the importance of robust controls and monitoring to ensure global security.

Mr. Chair,

The EU is committed to partnering with UN Member States to achieve the objectives of Resolution 1540. Since 2006, the EU has provided support to the implementation of resolution 1540 to the tune of over 6 million EUR.

In conclusion, the European Union reaffirm its strong commitment to the universal and effective implementation of Resolution 1540. The EU remains committed to ensure continued progress and encourage all members of the Security Council to actively support work to enhance the implementation of resolution 1540. The EU stands ready to continue assisting partner countries in building their capacities, strengthening non-proliferation efforts, and ensuring global security.

Thank you.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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