EU Statement on AUKUS Agenda item 10: Any other business

EU Statement on AUKUS Agenda item 10: Any other business

Board of Governors
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Vienna, 2-6 March 2026

Chair,

On behalf of the European Union, I would like to put on record our position on AUKUS. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

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.

We have noted Australia's stated commitment, in connection with any nuclear propulsion programme, not to produce nuclear fuel, enrich uranium or reprocess spent fuel.

We stress the importance of respecting the IAEA Secretariat's role and responsibilities on preparing the provisional agenda and its independent mandate to engage directly with concerned Member States on safeguards and verification matters.

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

Thank you, Chair.