The European Union and Non-proliferation, 2014–17

The EU Non-proliferation Consortium has encouraged dialogue and knowledge production between experts, practitioners and academics on issues of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation since 2011, with the aim of assisting the European Union (EU) in implementing its non-proliferation policies.

The period 2014–17 was characterized by a number of major events in the field of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament: the entry into force of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty and the nuclear weapons ban, the use and process of disarming Syria’s chemical weapons, and the Iran nuclear deal. This paper discusses these challenges and the role of the EU in each case. It also looks ahead and raises broader institutional issues that may impact on the EU’s non-proliferation policy in the coming years.