The European Union, in a statement delivered on 10 June 2026 at the IAEA Board of Governors, called on Syrian authorities to continue and reinforce cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to resolve outstanding safeguards issues under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, welcoming progress toward inspections at the Deir Ezzor site. The statement, read on behalf of the EU and aligned states including Albania, Norway, and Ukraine, expressed full support for IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi's engagement with Syria and the ongoing process to clarify the Assad regime's nuclear programme.
The EU welcomed efforts to facilitate Agency inspections at Deir Ezzor, including environmental sampling, expressing hope that such inspections can soon be possible, particularly after the 29 January 2026 agreement between Syrian transitional authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces. The statement noted that verification activities enable the IAEA to achieve clarity regarding the former regime's nuclear activities, and stressed that clarifying unresolved safeguards implementation issues is a legally binding international obligation for any state with a safeguards agreement, crucial for preserving the integrity of the international non-proliferation regime.
The EU called on Syrian authorities to provide immediate and unrestricted access to relevant sites, welcoming such access already granted by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. It strongly encouraged Syria to conclude and bring into force an Additional Protocol without delay to rebuild confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. The statement reaffirmed EU commitment to supporting Syria's peaceful and inclusive transition and socio-economic recovery, noting that the EU has fully reinstated its cooperation agreement with Syria as an important step. The EU requested the Director General to keep the Board of Governors timely informed and to maintain the item on the Board agenda.
Stakeholder impact Syrian transitional authorities face continued diplomatic pressure to demonstrate transparency and cooperation with the IAEA, with the EU linking full normalisation to safeguards compliance. The IAEA gains political backing for its verification mandate, strengthening its hand in negotiating access to sites. EU member states and aligned countries reinforce the non-proliferation regime's credibility, though the statement carries no enforcement mechanism. The Syrian population may benefit indirectly from the EU's reinstated cooperation agreement, which supports socio-economic recovery, but continued safeguards issues could delay broader international engagement.
Expected follow-up The IAEA Director General is expected to report further developments to the Board of Governors, with the item remaining on the agenda. Syria's progress on concluding an Additional Protocol and facilitating Deir Ezzor inspections will be key benchmarks for the EU's continued support.
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