The European Union expressed deep regret that the 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) failed to achieve a consensus outcome document, while highlighting concerns over Russia's actions in Ukraine, China's nuclear build-up, Iran's non-compliance, and DPRK's programmes. In a statement delivered on 11 June 2026 at the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, the EU, speaking on behalf of itself and ten aligned countries, commended the IAEA Secretariat's support and the conference president's efforts but noted that geopolitical tensions prevented agreement.
The statement, issued by the EU Delegation to International Organisations in Vienna, reflects the EU's position following the four-week conference in New York from 27 April to 22 May 2026. The EU reaffirmed its support for the NPT as the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime and stressed the importance of equal implementation across all three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Key concerns raised by the EU include Russia's illegal seizure and militarisation of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which undermines all treaty pillars; China's opaque and massive nuclear build-up; Iran's non-compliance with its safeguards obligations; and DPRK's nuclear and missile programmes in violation of UNSC resolutions. The EU also called for stronger language on safeguards, universalisation of the Additional Protocol, and export controls, and regretted the absence of concrete disarmament measures such as a fissile material moratorium.
Despite the lack of a final document, the EU emphasised that the treaty's authority remains unquestioned and committed to working with all states parties in the next review cycle to achieve tangible progress. The statement aligns with the EU's longstanding position and builds on its active participation in the conference, where it had repeatedly called for full implementation of the NPT.