Tuvalu and the Federated States of Micronesia deposited their instruments of accession to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) on 25 June and 12 July, respectively, becoming the 186th and 187th States Parties to the Convention.

The accession of Tuvalu and Micronesia to the BTWC is a next important step towards universalisation of the Convention.

The European Union have supported the universalisation process of the Convention, including the accession of Tuvalu and the Federates States of Micronesia through an EU-funded project, implemented by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.

The European Union is a staunch and consistent supporter of the strengthening of the BTWC. All 27 EU Member States are parties to the Convention which is a key component of the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework and a crucial tool to prevent biological agents and toxins from ever being developed and used as weapons.

The European Union calls on all States not yet party to join the BTWC without delay.