Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Türkiye^§, North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine^*, the Republic of Moldova^*, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, Georgia, Iceland⁺, Liechtenstein⁺, Norway⁺ and San Marino.

The EU thanks the Director General for the update provided in his opening statement to the Board, and the Secretariat for its continued work to address the implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The EU remains deeply concerned by the continued absence of cooperation by the Syrian Arab Republic and the lack of any progress in resolving the long outstanding questions regarding the Dair Alzour site and three other locations.

The Syrian Arab Republic has been in non-compliance with its Safeguards Agreement for nearly 12 years now. This is deeply regrettable. The EU supports the efforts of the Director General to re-engage with the Syrian Arab Republic.

We, once again, strongly urge the Syrian Arab Republic to fully comply with the Board of Governors resolution of June 2011, provide the necessary information and cooperation to the IAEA, and conclude and bring into force an Additional Protocol as soon as possible.

Chair,

The Syrian Arab Republic must be held accountable for its lack of action and urgently remedy this non-compliance. Until it fully cooperates with the Agency, we request the Director General to keep the Board of Governors informed about this issue and maintain this item on the Board agenda.

Thank you, Chair.

§ Candidate Country

* Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, as well as potential Candidate Country Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

+ Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are members of the EFTA and of the European Economic Area.