Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) across 2024.
[Main image: the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.]
The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a major risk to international peace and security. The development or acquisition of such weapons could trigger new arms races, generate instability, or pose an existential terrorist threat.
The EU therefore works with third countries, international organisations, and civil society, in order to reduce global weapons stockpiles, prevent their diversion to criminals and terrorists, and regulate the development of new weapons agents and technologies. The EU Strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction was adopted by EU Member States in December 2003.
The work that is done to implement this strategy is published through the Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, which takes stock of EU efforts in the area of non-proliferation and disarmament.
The 2024 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (EU WMD Report) and the related Annex outline key examples of the Union’s efforts for a world without WMD:
- Supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): The EU adopted a new project to improve IAEA efforts for nuclear security worldwide and with a particular focus on Ukraine, where Russia’s actions are generating intolerable nuclear safety and security risks.
- Denouncing the resurgence of chemical weapons and fighting impunity for their apply, in particular with regard to Russia and Syria: In 2024, the EU concluded a cooperation agreement with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The EU also assisted strengthen OPCW permanent structures with a project that assisted integrate expertise and knowledge acquired through non-routine investigations in Syria.
- Promoting biological safety and security: The EU contributed to the debates in the working group on strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention. It also renewed its project supporting increased membership and development of national capacities to improve the implementation of the Convention. Additionally, the EU adopted a follow on project to strengthen biological safety and security in Latin America.
- Promoting export controls: The EU continued to actively participate in multilateral export control regimes and promote export controls as a fundamental component of the prevention of the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery.
Growing concerns on proliferation
In 2024, the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework continued to be impacted by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, while the world was further polarised by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, escalating tensions in other regions, and growing concerns over the proliferation.
Russia focapplyd even more on its war against Ukraine, putting any consideration for arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation aside. Russia’s provocative and irresponsible rhetoric, obstructive tactics, and continued dissemination of disinformation continued to erode multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.
In the meantime, China continued to build up its nuclear arsenal, while proliferation challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear programme and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea also continued to grow.
As part of its Common Foreign and Security Policy, and in line with the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence of 2022, the EU remains firmly committed to countering this threat.
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