EU Statement on AUKUS at the 68th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, 19 September 2024

President,

On behalf of the European Union, I would like to briefly respond to comments made.

The EU attaches great importance to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the integrity of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

The IAEA is the competent body to ensure full, impartial, independent and objective implementation of safeguards. Full consideration must be given to any proliferation implications and risks.

The IAEA Secretariat is best placed to assess when and how to propose that this issue be placed on our agenda for further consideration.

We do not consider it necessary to have a standing item on AUKUS on the agenda of the IAEA Board of Governors either, given that the technical work of the Secretariat is still ongoing.

We look forward to further reporting by the IAEA Director General, as appropriate, and to taking appropriate action once an arrangement is finalised.

Thank you, President.