The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) remains vital to global security. 30 years ago, 71 countries made a pledge to ban all nuclear weapons testing. Today the CTBT is one of the most universally accepted treaties, signed by 188 States and ratified by 179, including all EU Member States. This speaks to the persistent global commitment to prevent nuclear proliferation. Nuclear test bans keep the world safer.
The CTBT has succeeded in limiting nuclear testing in an unprecedented way, together with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This is also down to the International Monitoring System set up to verify compliance with the CTBT, which the European Union funds. This global network of monitoring stations and laboratories continues to provide the world with reliable, neutral, scientific and technical information on nuclear test explosions. Sustained financing for the International Monitoring System is therefore a collective priority.
In a period where multilateral cooperation is under heavy strain, the risk of a return to nuclear weapons testing has never been greater. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has carried out six nuclear tests in the last two decades. Russia has revoked its ratification of the CTBT. Nuclear sabre-rattling has been increasing since Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine.
Nuclear testing anywhere threatens security everywhere. Any explosive nuclear weapon test, by any state, anywhere in the world, puts international peace and security at risk. This year’s anniversary of the CTBT is an important opportunity to recommit to the treaty and its objectives.
All States should abide by the existing moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions while awaiting the formal entry into force of the CTBT. We urge all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT without preconditions or delay. Russia must reverse its decision to revoke its ratification. The EU will remain resolute in its efforts to promote universal adherence to the CTBT and its entry into force. Nuclear testing must not return.