- 18th ROK-EU Consultation on Disarmament and Non-proliferation took place

- Both sides discussed the launch of a new ROK-EU Space Security Dialogue in 2024

1. The Director-General for Non-proliferation and Nuclear Affairs, Mr. Youn Jong Kwon, held the 18th ROK-EU Consultation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation with the EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, Ms. Marjolijn Van Deelen, and the EU Special Envoy for Space, Ms. Carine Claeys, on November 28, 2023, at the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels.

2. At the 18th ROK-EU Consultation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, both sides exchanged views on the current international security environment and committed to continuing close cooperation to strengthen the existing disarmament and non-proliferation regime, addressing nuclear weapons, biological and chemical weapons, and conventional weapons. The two sides also agreed to collaborate for the advancement of discussions in emerging areas such as the use of AI in the military domain.

3. Furthermore, on the occasion of the Consultation, the two sides shared the view that the DPRK’s continued launch of the so-called military reconnaissance satellites this year, including the third launch on November 21, undermines regional stability and poses a serious challenge and threat to international peace and security. They agreed to continue joint efforts to elicit the international community’s response to this matter.

4. In addition, both sides shared their assessments of the threats in the space domain and their respective space security policies, and discussed ways for cooperation in developing international norms. In order to achieve the shared goal of ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment, the two sides exchanged views regarding the official launch of the ROK-EU Space Security Dialogue in 2024.

5. Meanwhile, during his visit to Brussels, on November 27, 2023, Director-General Youn participated in a panel discussion on “AI and Autonomy: Translating Principles of Responsible Use into Principled Action” at the Responsible Innovation in Defence and Security Conference hosted by NATO. During the session, Director-General Youn introduced the current trend of discussions on AI norms and the significance of the 2nd Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM), which is scheduled to be held in Korea next year.