Chair,

In addition to the statement delivered on behalf of the EU and the Stockholm Initiative , I would like to deliver the following statement in my national capacity.

Under the NPT all NPT States Parties are obliged to pursue and achieve the full implementation of Article VI: i.e. to pursue in good faith negotiations on effective measures relating to a cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament.

Unfortunately, we are currently moving in the opposite direction. China is rapidly and extensively building up its nuclear arsenal and refuses to exercise more transparency with regard to its nuclear capabilities. Moreover, Russia is continuing its nuclear rhetoric which erodes the nuclear taboo and the credibility of the NPT .

Against this backdrop, the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty relating to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament and international peace and security should continue to be the focus of our work.

Chair,

As already mentioned during the General Debate, The Netherlands considers increasing transparency and accountability an indispensable step in the process of nuclear disarmament. It contributes to building confidence and trust, while at the same time helping to establish a baseline for dialogue and negotiations. A lack of transparency increases the risk of misperception, misunderstanding and ultimately escalation. We consider reporting to be a key transparency measure, therefore we urge all NPT states, in particular the NWS, to use the reporting templates developed by the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI).

Furthermore, The Netherlands considers risk reduction to be an important component of disarmament efforts, without being a substitute for disarmament measures. Effective risk reduction measures can contribute to  reducing the risk of  using nuclear weapons, either on purpose or by accident.

Let me also stress the importance of robust and effective verification as part of the path towards achieving and maintaining a world without nuclear weapons. Over the years, progress has been made in strengthening the mutual understanding on verification. For example, through the GGE and the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV). Let me also recall other initiatives such as the QUAD and the Menzingen Verification Experiment. These efforts constitute an important and positive development towards the implementation of Article VI of the NPT.

Chair,

Our shared goal of a world free of nuclear weapons can only be achieved if we take a number of interlocking measures, for that reason we have to work together on a result-oriented Action Plan for this Review Cycle and focus our work on the following:

Taking concrete steps on transparency and accountability, especially from the side of the NWS.
Reconfirming clearly and unambiguously States Parties’ commitment, under article VI of the Treaty, to ultimately achieve the goal of achieving a world without nuclear weapons. 
Continuing the discussion on effective measures to minimize nuclear risks and identification of possible risk reduction measures, without being prescriptive or exhaustive, or as a substitute for disarmament.
Ratifying the CTBT without delay by those who have not done so and upkeeping the moratorium on nuclear testing.
Recognizing the FMCT is an indispensable disarmament step towards the implementation of Article VI and Nuclear-Weapon states showing leadership to unblock the FMCT process and to commence negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament as soon as possible. Furthermore, we call on all NWS States under the NPT and nuclear weapons possessing states to declare and uphold an immediate moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices.
In closing, despite the challenging current geopolitical environment, it is our common duty to mankind to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding nuclear disarmament. After all, a nuclear war cannot be won and therefore should never be fought, and we expect all members of the P5 to continue to subscribe to this notion. 

Thank your Chair.