The European Union has called on all states yet to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to do so without preconditions, and urged all states to maintain moratoriums on nuclear test explosions, in a statement delivered on 15 June 2026 at the sixty-sixth session of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBT Organisation in Vienna. The EU also condemned the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) nuclear and ballistic missile activities and expressed deep concern over Russia's shift since 2024 on DPRK denuclearisation, while condemning Russia's military cooperation with the DPRK as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The statement, delivered on behalf of the EU and aligned countries including Albania, Norway, and Ukraine, thanked the Executive Secretary for reports and expressed support for recommendations from Working Groups A and B and the Advisory Group. The EU reiterated that CTBT universalisation and entry into force remain a priority, and stressed the importance of the verification regime as a preventive measure against testing.
On financial matters, the EU urged all states signatories to pay assessed contributions on time and in full, and highlighted concerns about the impact of the approved Zero Nominal Growth budget for 2026-2027 on programmatic activities, particularly sustainment of the International Monitoring System (IMS). The EU asked the Provisional Technical Secretariat to share contingency plans and address the financial situation, and expressed readiness to contribute to discussions on the 2027 budget.
The EU noted its voluntary contributions to CTBTO monitoring and verification activities, totalling over €36 million since 2006, and welcomed efforts towards gender equality and equitable geographical representation within the organisation. The EU also regretted that no nomination for Vice-Chair of the Preparatory Commission had been submitted on behalf of the Middle East and South Asia Regional Group, and supported the reappointment of Ms Tebogo Gladness Matlou as Vice-Chair of Working Group B.
The statement welcomed the appointment of Mr Joseph Sidari as Director for Human Resources Services for a three-year term, and looked forward to high-level participation in the Friends of the CTBT meeting in New York during the UN General Assembly autumn session.
The statement reinforces pressure on Annex 2 states (including the DPRK, Russia, and others) to ratify the treaty, potentially affecting their diplomatic standing. For the CTBTO and its Provisional Technical Secretariat, the EU's emphasis on IMS sustainment and budget concerns signals potential funding constraints unless arrears are paid. EU member states and aligned countries face continued financial commitments through assessed contributions and voluntary funding. The DPRK and Russia face renewed condemnation, which may further isolate them diplomatically.