The European Union strongly condemned the 17 May attack against the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, warning that a direct hit could cause a very high release of radioactivity to the environment. In a statement delivered on 5 June at the IAEA Extraordinary Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, the EU called for an immediate cessation of such attacks and urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.
The statement, published by the EEAS on 9 June, was read on behalf of the EU and aligned countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine. The EU thanked the Arab Group for convening the extraordinary meeting and expressed full solidarity with the UAE.
The EU voiced concern over the potential implications of an armed attack against a nuclear facility devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes. It recalled the importance of upholding the IAEA's seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security in armed conflict and noted relevant IAEA General Conference resolutions. The EU also urged all parties to refrain from attacks targeting nuclear power plants and elements of the electricity network important to their off-site power supply, which is a fundamental prerequisite for maintaining essential nuclear safety functions.
The EU commended the UAE for providing the IAEA with timely information about affected nuclear facilities and for engaging with the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Center. It also noted strong coordination between the EU's Joint Research Centre and the Gulf Cooperation Council's Emergency Management Centre in joint emergency preparedness.
In a broader regional context, the EU called for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which urges Iran to cease its attacks against Gulf states and Jordan, and for full respect of international law by all parties. The EU reiterated its unwavering support for the IAEA Director General and the Agency's efforts to ensure nuclear safety, security, and compliance with the international non-proliferation regime.
Impact on stakeholders - UAE: receives strong diplomatic backing and recognition for its transparent handling of the incident, but faces continued security risks to its nuclear infrastructure. - IAEA: its authority and role in monitoring nuclear safety during armed conflict are reinforced, though the attack tests the limits of its seven-pillar framework. - EU member states and aligned countries: the statement signals a unified foreign policy stance on nuclear safety, but may increase pressure to take further action if attacks persist. - Iran: indirectly targeted by the call to implement UNSC Resolution 2817, potentially increasing diplomatic isolation if non-compliance continues.
The statement is a declaration of position and does not introduce new EU measures or sanctions. The EU's call for de-escalation and regional stability remains a diplomatic priority, with no immediate operational follow-up announced.
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