Vienna: In a recent statement at the Sixty-Fifth Session of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Preparatory Commission, the European Union (EU) emphasized the importance of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) coming into force. The EU urged all states, particularly the remaining Annex 2 States, to sign and ratify the treaty without delay to ensure international peace and security.
According to European Union, the EU expressed its support for the recommendations made by Working Groups A and B, as well as the Advisory Group, and acknowledged the efforts of the Executive Secretary and the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) in preparing for the session. The EU reiterated the significance of the International Monitoring System (IMS) in detecting nuclear test explosions and called on all states to honor their commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Processes.
The EU specifically addressed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), urging it to abandon its nuclear weapons programs and comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions. The EU emphasized the need for a swift international response to any nuclear test by the DPRK and expressed its readiness to support diplomatic efforts for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The EU also highlighted the importance of adopting the budget for the next biennium, thanking the PTS for circulating the 2026-2027 Program and Budget Proposals. While noting the zero nominal growth budget, the EU expressed concern about its potential impact on IMS sustainment and looked forward to discussions on data availability and verification regime effectiveness in 2026.
The EU underscored the need for all states to fulfill their financial obligations to the organization, noting that the EU has contributed over £29.5 million in extra-budgetary contributions to support the CTBT's verification regime and capacity-building initiatives. The EU also praised the PTS's efforts in promoting gender equality and equitable geographical representation.
In the context of leadership appointments, the EU supported the candidacy of Ambassador Raimonds Oškalns of Latvia as the new Chair of the Commission for 2026. However, it expressed disappointment over the lack of a Vice-Chair nomination from the Middle East and South Asia Regional Group and encouraged all regional groups to submit nominations.
The EU also addressed concerns regarding the re-appointment of directors at the PTS, expressing disappointment over a recommendation relating to a state involved in a full-scale invasion of another state. The EU reiterated its stance on Russia's actions in Ukraine, previously stated during past sessions.
As the CTBT marks its 30th anniversary, the EU emphasized celebrating the treaty's achievements while renewing efforts for its entry into force, ensuring a successful and operative-focused conclusion to the session.