Hiroshima, 13 May 2022 (TDI): President of the European Council, Charles Michel visited Hiroshima for the Wreath laying ceremony and gave a statement during his visit.

The President of the European Council was there to pay tribute to and honor the victims of the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima.


The President expressed his sorrow as he highlighted the haunting suffering and devastation that occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Michel said that he was captured by an intense determination to free the world from weapons of mass destruction as Hiroshima is a powerful reminder of the exigency.

He further stated that they have international rules as well as global institutions for arms control and nuclear disarmament. Therefore, he emphasized that they have to strengthen and protect them to secure security and peace.

Thus, Michel said that currently there is a threat to global security. He referenced Russia as a nuclear-armed state attacking Ukraine.

The President said it has shaken the security of Europe, but most importantly it is raising the stakes for the whole world in a dangerous manner.

Michel also made a reference to North Korea’s illegal as well as provocative missile tests especially, the one that happened recently.

He said that all of this is endangering their safety and pointed out the importance of the Japan-EU partnership that is built on peace.

Prior to the ceremony, President Michel and Prime Minister Kishida stood firm on their common values and democratic principles.

In addition, he said they stand together for the complete and irreversible dismantlement of nuclear weapons. Also, they agreed on strengthening their cooperation on defense and security including disarmament and non-proliferation.

More to this, Michel pointed out the continuation of their ceaseless efforts to protect the international agreement with Iran. Lastly, the President said their generation has the duty to strengthen nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation norms that exist.