Brussels, 8 July 2023 (TDI): The European Union (EU) has warmly welcomed the news that the United States has successfully destroyed its remaining chemical weapons stockpile.
The liquidation was finalized on 7 July, well ahead of the scheduled timeline set for September of this year.
US: 🇪🇺welcomes the complete destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpile by 🇺🇸 ahead of schedule. The EU also commends @OPCW for their professional work.
This marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention https://t.co/7HtIAkxnJD— Peter Stano (@ExtSpoxEU) July 8, 2023
The EU commends the United States for completing this significant task in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its on-site team, responsible for verifying the destruction, are also praised for their professional work in this context.
Completing the destruction work represents a momentous milestone in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which has been in force for 25 years.
The CWC serves as a crucial component of the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.
The European Union expresses its unwavering commitment to providing continued strong political and financial support for the implementation of the CWC.
The EU’s focus lies in preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons and combating impunity for their use.
In a recent meeting on 26 June, EU Foreign Ministers approved a voluntary financial contribution of EUR 5.3 million for the OPCW’s activities in the years 2023-2026. This financial backing will bolster the OPCW’s efforts to fulfill its mission effectively.
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The EU’s support for the complete destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles by the United States reflects its dedication to disarmament, non-proliferation, and maintaining international peace and security.
The EU recognizes the importance of eliminating such weapons and ensuring that they are never used again.
The EU believes that this decision underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation and the crucial role played by the OPCW in ensuring compliance with the Convention.
The EU looks forward to working alongside the international community to maintain the momentum and achieve the shared goal of a world free from chemical weapons.
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