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France

France is one of five recognized nuclear-weapon states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), having signed and ratified it in 1992. France commits to the treaty’s three pillars—non-proliferation, peaceful use of nuclear energy, and disarmament—while maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent of approximately 290 warheads.

France

Disarmament

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  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France acceded to the NPT on 2 August 1992, but indicated that it respected the prescription of the Treaty since its adoption in 1968.

    It officially supported multilateral declarations promoting the achievement of a world without nuclear weapons in July 2009 (G8 statement).

    At the national level, French President François Hollande endorsed this objective in 2015, with a caveat: “I therefore share the long-term goal of a total elimination of nuclear weapons, but, I would add, only when the strategic context allows.”

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In the National Strategic Review of 2025, France reiterated its full support for the NPT and indicated that it will continue to work in favour of the centrality of the NPT in the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament international architecture.

    In official speeches and reports published between 2021 and 2025, France expresses its supports for the promotion of a realistic and progressive approach of nuclear disarmament. It indicated in 2025 at the Conference on Disarmament that it is fully committed to the creation of the conditions for a world free of nuclear weapons.

    In 2026, President Macron reiterated that France still shares the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons, but announced the increase in the French arsenal and that the government would no longer communicate on its number of warheads.

    Sources

    French Government. Plan de maîtrise des armements et de désarmement présenté par la présidence de la République. [Arms control and disarmament plan presented by the Presidency of the Republic] 3 June 1991. https://www.vie-publique.fr/discours/128712-plan-de-maitrise-des-armements-et-de-desarmement-presente-par-la-preside

    G8. L’Aquila Statement on Non-Proliferation. (L’Aquila: 2009). https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/summit/2009/statement.pdf

    François Hollande. Speech By The President Of The French Republic On The Nuclear Deterrent, Istres), 19 February 2015. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/IMG/pdf/discours_pr_istres_anglais_19_02_15.pdf?870/3a785803c99292ba08e5a27936d6ccf2ad4a7dfe

    SGDSN. Revue Nationale Stratégique 2025 [National Strategic Review] (Paris: 2025), https://www.sgdsn.gouv.fr/files/2025-08/20250713_NP_SGDSN_Actualisation_2025_RNS_FR.pdf

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Fourth statement by Ambassador Camille Petit in Subsidiary Body 1 [Legal framework and other legal instruments related to advancing the nuclear disarmament process] (Geneva), 27 May 2025. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmament-Fourth-statement-by-Ambassador-Camille-Petit-in

    Nuclear deterrence – Speech by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, Ile Longue, 2 March 2026, https://www.elysee.fr/front/pdf/elysee-module-26067-en.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has completed three disarmament steps in an irreversible manner: the dismantlement of its ground-based arsenal (Plateau d’Albion, achieved in 1998), the dismantlement of its nuclear test site in French Polynesia (1998) and the dismantlement of the facilities producing weapon-related fissile material (irreversible dismantlement completed in 2009).

    Several international visits have been organised on the sites, especially of Marcoule and Pierrelatte.

    French civilian nuclear sites are submitted to IAEA inspections since 1981 as part of its non-proliferation obligations and under the safeguards agreement concluded with the Agency.

    France has supported the principle of transparency regarding its treaty obligations and has reported the implementation of its NPT obligation as part of its commitments under the 2010 Plan of Action. Prior to that date, it started to report its achievements and policies in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses under the 2000 Action Plan.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has kept implementing the aforementioned measures and has prepared a new national report for the 2025 Review Conference.

    Sources

    Working paper submitted by France. Dismantling of plants for the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. NPT/CONF.2010/WP.37 (New York), 12 April 2010, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2010/documents/WP37.pdf

    Working paper submitted by France. Dismantling of the Pacific Testing Centre, NPT/CONF.2010/WP.36 (New York), 12 April 2010, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2010/documents/WP36.pdf

    François Hollande. Speech By The President Of The French Republic On The Nuclear Deterrent, Istres, 19 February 2015. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/IMG/pdf/discours_pr_istres_anglais_19_02_15.pdf?870/3a785803c99292ba08e5a27936d6ccf2ad4a7dfe

    International Atomic Energy Agency. The Text of the Agreement of 27 July 1978 between France, the European Atomic Energy Community and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in France. INFCIRC/290. December 1981. https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/documents/infcircs/1981/infcirc290.pdf

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s action against proliferation. NPT/CONF.2010/WP.32 (New York), 14 April 2010. https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2010/documents/WP32.pdf

    Working paper submitted by France, Nuclear disarmament: France’s practical commitment. NPT/CONF.2010/WP.33. (New York), 14 April 2010, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2010/documents/WP33.pdf

    Working paper submitted by France. Responsible development of nuclear energy: initiatives by France. NPT/CONF.2010/WP.34. (New York), 14 April 2010, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2010/documents/WP34.pdf

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France retired its ground-based nuclear missiles Pluton in 1991 and dismantled the Hades weapon system in 1997. The ground-based component was fully dismantled in 1998.

    In 1998, France reduced the number of ballistic missile submarines from 6 to 4.

    In 2008, it reduced the number of squadrons affected to the nuclear mission from three to two (Strategic Air Forces), which was effective in 2013.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In March 2026, President Emmanuel Macron announced the upcoming increase in the French arsenal and that the government would no longer communicate on its number of warheads.

    Sources

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

    Nuclear deterrence – Speech by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, Ile Longue, 2 March 2026, https://www.elysee.fr/front/pdf/elysee-module-26067-en.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

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    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

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    Sources

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  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    (a) France has reduced its arsenal by a third since the end of the Cold War, with in particular the complete elimination of its ground-based forces which was completed in 1998, the downsizing by a third of the sea-based nuclear deterrent (from 6 ballistic nuclear submarines to four) and of the strategic air forces (from 3 squadrons dedicated to the nuclear mission to 2).

    (b) France does not hold nuclear weapons in reserve. Disarmament measures have applied to the three different types of nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles produced by France.

    (c) France reiterated its conception of nuclear deterrence, which is strictly defensive, applicable only in extreme circumstances of self-defence and is based on the principle of strict sufficiency

    (d) In his speech on nuclear matters, President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the role of France to promote work on strategic risk reduction, which aims at decreasing the risk of nuclear use. France has been promoting some of these measures as part of the P5 process (France took the lead on this issue within the P5) and within different groupings, but also by itself.

    (e) France reduced the permanent alert level of its nuclear forces twice, in 1992 and 1996. These reductions were in both the response times of forces and the number of weapons systems on alert. Specifically, since 1996, France has kept only one nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine permanently at sea and in 1997, France announced that all of its nuclear forces had been de-targeted. Since then, France has consistently reaffirmed that “[its] nuclear forces are not directed against any country”.

    (f) The French legislation includes the notion of ‘governmental control’, which aims in part to make it impossible that any nuclear weapons may be used without a formal order from the French President.

    (g) Among transparency and confidence-building measures, France lists the publication of its nuclear doctrine, through presidential speeches and in various forums and documents, the information relating to the number of nuclear weapons possessed, the pre-launch notification of ballistic missile tests and space launches through the Hague Code of Conduct against the proliferation of ballistic missiles (HCoC) and the publication of budgetary information regarding the nuclear weapon investments. In 2022, it presided over the adoption of the P5 statement according to which “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    (a) No new reduction since 2022. In March 2026, President Emmanuel Macron announced the upcoming increase in the French arsenal and that the government would no longer communicate on its number of warheads. This increase was justified by the improvement of potential adversaries’ missile defence systems, and by the fact that France may have to deter a combination of adversaries. The President specified that France still refuse the concept of arms race.

    (b) Policy is unchanged on that matter since 2022, France does not hold any nuclear weapons in reserve and regard all nuclear weapons as strategic.

    (c) The role of nuclear deterrence in France security policy has not changed since 2022.

    (d) France has continued to discuss about strategic risk reduction as part of the P5, CEND, and in other forums. It repeated regularly its commitment to the adoption of concrete measures in its realm.

    (e) No change of policy since 2022.

    (f) No change of policy since 2022.

    (g) France has kept pre-notifying its ballistic missile tests and space launches through the HCoC, and organised a visit of its space launch site in Kourou in December 2022. In November 2022, France committed not to test debris-creating anti-satellite missiles. In 2026, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would no longer communicate the number of warheads it possesses in its arsenal.

    Sources

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

    Working paper submitted by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. Strategic risk reduction. NPT/CONF.2020/WP.33. (New York), 7 December 2021, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2022/documents/WP33.pdf

    2019 G7 Statement on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. (Dinard and Saint Malo), 6 April 2019. https://www.elysee.fr/admin/upload/default/0001/05/2ffa826926cd72354b90a05f7de765bfcc9908b6.pdf

    Emmanuel Macron. Speech of the President of the Republic on the Defense and Deterrence Strategy. (Paris), 7 February 2020. https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2020/02/07/speech-of-the-president-of-the-republic-on-the-defense-and-deterrence-strategy

    France Diplomacy. Nuclear disarmament. Accessed 22 September 2025. https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/disarmament-and-non-proliferation/treaty-on-the-non-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons/nuclear-disarmament/

    Code de la Défense [Defence Code]. Article R*1411-8. https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/section_lc/LEGITEXT000006071307/LEGISCTA000006182875/

    France Diplomacy. Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States On Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races (Paris), 3 January 2022, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/news/2022/article/joint-statement-of-the-leaders-of-the-five-nuclear-weapon-states-on-preventing

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Statement by Camille PETIT, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament (Geneva), 23 March 2023, https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmament-Statement-by-Camille-PETIT-Ambassador-Permanent-2227

    European Union. Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the European Union Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. 2022. C/2023/383. 20 October 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023XG00383

    France Diplomacy. Spatial – Engagement de la France à ne pas conduire d’essais de missiles antisatellites destructifs à ascension directe. [Spatial – France’s commitment not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests] 29 November 2022, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/securite-desarmement-et-non-proliferation/actualites-et-evenements-lies-a-la-securite-au-desarmement-et-a-la-non/2022/article/spatial-engagement-de-la-france-a-ne-pas-conduire-d-essais-de-missiles

    Nuclear deterrence – Speech by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, Ile Longue, 2 March 2026, https://www.elysee.fr/front/pdf/elysee-module-26067-en.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France expressed its support for the creation of subsidiary bodies, including one to deal with nuclear disarmament, in 2022.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France expressed its support for the adoption of a programme of work for the Conference on Disarmament in 2024 (renewed in 2025) and the creation of subsidiary bodies, including one to deal with nuclear disarmament, in 2024 and 2025.

    Sources

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Statement by Ambassador Yann Hwang on subsidiary bodies (Geneva), 9 March 2022. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmament-Statement-by-Ambassador-Yann-HWANG-on-subsidiary

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmement – Subsidiary organ 1 [disarmament] – Statement by the Ambassador M. Yann Hwang (Geneva), 15 March 2022. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmement-Subsidiary-organ-1-disarmament-Statement-by-the

    Statement by France. Conference on disarmament – Statement by Ambassador Camille Petit on the adoption of a programme of work for the Conference (Geneva), 13 June 2024. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-disarmament-Statement-by-Ambassador-Camille-PETIT-on-the-adoption

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Statement by Ambassador Camille Petit on the cessation of the nuclear arms race (Geneva), 25 June 2024. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmament-Statement-by-Ambassador-Camille-Petit-on-the-2346

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Second statement by Ambassador Camille Petit in Subsidiary Body 1 [Nuclear Disarmament] (Geneva), 11 March 2025. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmament-Statement-by-Ambassador-Camille-Petit-in-Subsidiary

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France expressed its support for the adoption of a programme of work in 2009 which included the item “Effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons”.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France expressed its support for the adoption of a programme of work in 2024 (renewed in 2025) which included the item “Effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons”.

    Sources

    Statement by France. Unofficial transcript, France, Ambassador Eric Danon (Geneva), 26 May 2009. https://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/cd/2009/statements/2session/26May_France.pdf

    Conference on disarmament – Statement by Ambassador Camille Petit on the adoption of a programme of work for the Conference (Geneva), 13 June 2024. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-disarmament-Statement-by-Ambassador-Camille-PETIT-on-the-adoption

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    Since 1982, France has provided negative security assurances to more than 100 non-nuclear-weapon states that comply with their non-proliferation obligations. This commitment by France, as well as by other nuclear-weapon states, is enshrined in Resolution 984 adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 1995, which was reiterated in UNSC Resolution 1887 (2009) and Resolution 2310 (2016). In 2015, the negative assurances given by France to non-nuclear-weapon states were repeated by the President of the Republic, who recognised that these were ‘legitimate’ expectations.

    On 4 August 2022, the United States, France and the United Kingdom published a joint statement at the NPT Review Conference reiterating their commitment to security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states.
    France specifies that its negative security assurances apply to countries that comply with their non-proliferation obligations and does not affect its right of legitimate self-defence as recognised by the UN Charter.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to uphold its negative security guarantees as stated in previous statements.

    Sources

    State Department. P3 Joint Statement on Security Assurances, Joint Statement. Bureau Of International Security And Nonproliferation. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (New York,) 4 August 2022. https://2021-2025.state.gov/p3-joint-statement-on-security-assurances/#:~:text=France%2C%20the%20United%20Kingdom%2C%20and,NPT)%20to%20receive%20security%20assurances.

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Statement by Ambassador Camille Petit in Subsidiary Body 4 [Review of existing safeguards, including their effectiveness, and the role and significance of nuclear-weapon-free zones] (Geneva), 13 May 2025, https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmament-Statement-by-Ambassador-Camille-Petit-in-Subsidiary-2479

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France is a party to four protocols of the treaties establishing NWFZs. In addition to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 (which provides for complete demilitarisation), France is a party to the protocols of the Treaty of Tlatelolco (ratified in 1974 and 1992), the Treaty of Rarotonga (ratified in 1996), the Treaty of Pelindaba (ratified in 1996) and the Treaty of Semipalatinsk (joined in 2014) establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pacific, Africa and Central Asia, respectively. France also recognised Mongolia’s status as a nuclear-weapon-free zone in 2012.

    France expressed its support for the project of a WMD free zone in the Middle East. France participated, as an observer state, in the first three Conferences (2019, 2021, and 2022) on the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery in the Middle East, which have been held in New York since 2019 pursuant to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 73/546.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France supported UNGA Resolution A/RES/78/39, on the Treaty on a nuclear free zone in Southeast Asia (Bangkok Treaty) and indicates that it continues to discuss with ASEAN member states to find an acceptable solution enabling the signature of the protocol of the Bangkok Treaty.

    Regarding the project of a WMD free-zone in the Middle East, France took part to the 4th (2023) and 5th (2024) Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.

    France also supports and contributes to the European Union’s efforts to achieve this objective, notably through EU Council Decision of 26 June 2023, which allocated a budget of nearly €2.1 million to promote trust and dialogue. France also supports the work of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), which aims at promoting inclusive dialogue between experts and policy makers on this issue.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France definitively ended testing nuclear weapons in 1996. It signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 24 September 1996 and ratified it on 6 April 1998.

    France expressed its support to efforts to universalise the CTBT, in particular among the Annex 2 States. Entry into force is a priority of its nuclear disarmament policy which has been recalled at the highest level (President Macron in 2020).

    Its support is also materialised through EU work in support of the CTBTO. This support was formalised in Council Decision 2018/298 of February 2018.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to support politically the objective of the entry into force of the CTBT and to speak in favour of its universalisation.

    In 2023, it issued a statement regretting Russia’s decision to “de-ratify” the CTBT.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Emmanuel Macron. Speech of the President of the Republic on the Defense and Deterrence Strategy. (Paris), 7 February 2020. https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2020/02/07/speech-of-the-president-of-the-republic-on-the-defense-and-deterrence-strategy

    France Diplomacy. Traité sur l’interdiction complète des essais nucléaires (TICE) – La France déplore la décision de la Russie de révoquer sa ratification du traité. [Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) – France deplores Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the treaty] 2 November 2023. https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/securite-desarmement-et-non-proliferation/actualites-et-evenements-lies-a-la-securite-au-desarmement-et-a-la-non/2023/article/traite-sur-l-interdiction-complete-des-essais-nucleaires-tice-la-france-deplore

    France Diplomacy. Draft Joint Statement by France and the United Kingdom, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of their ratification of the CTBT. 6 April 2023. https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/united-kingdom/news/article/draft-joint-statement-by-france-and-the-united-kingdom-on-the-occasion-of-the

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France definitively ended its nuclear testing in 1996 and dismantled in an irreversible manner its nuclear testing facilities in French Polynesia.

    France built simulation capacities which are it presents as a sustainable substitute to nuclear testing to ensure the safety and reliability of its nuclear arsenal, without resorting to nuclear testing.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to refrain from nuclear-weapon testing and to use and develop its simulation programme.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has participated to all the conferences on facilitating the entry into force of the CTBT organised from 2003 to 2022 and presented in each its measures taken to promote the entry into force of the Treaty, including working papers, side-events and support to the International Monitoring System (IMS).

    It reported to the 2011 Conference the work done to promote entry into force as co-president of the Conference with Morocco. During this co-chairmanship, five new states ratified the CTBT.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has participated to the conferences on facilitating the entry into force of the CTBT organised in 2023 and 2025 and presented in each its measures taken to promote the entry into force of the Treaty, including working papers, side-events and support to the International Monitoring System (IMS).

    Sources

    CTBTO. Activities Undertaken by Signatory and Ratifying States Under Measure (L) of the Final Declaration of the 2025 Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Treaty in the Period June 2023 – May 2025. CTBT-Art.XIV/2025/4. May 2025. https://www.ctbto.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/CTBT-Art.XIV-2025-4.pdf

    CTBTO. Présentation du rapport des coprésidences française et marocaine [Presentation of the report by the French and Moroccan co-chairs] (2009 -2011). 23 September 2011. https://www.ctbto.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/france_fr_2011.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has called for the universalisation of the CTBT at the highest level and in various forums, including at the Presidential level.

    At the Article XIV Conference of the CTBT, the objective of entry into force has been recalled, including through ministerial statements.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    The United Kingdom and France issued a joint statement on 25th Anniversary of their ratification of the CTBT. France deplored Russia's decision to "de-ratify" the CTBT.

    Sources

    Emmanuel Macron. Speech of the President of the Republic on the Defense and Deterrence Strategy. (Paris), 7 February 2020. https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2020/02/07/speech-of-the-president-of-the-republic-on-the-defense-and-deterrence-strategy

    France Diplomacy. Jean-Yves Le Drian calls on States to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test‑Ban Treaty (New York), 23 September 2021. https://onu.delegfrance.org/jean-yves-le-drian-calls-on-states-to-sign-the-comprehensive-nuclear-test-ban

    France Diplomacy. Draft Joint Statement by France and the United Kingdom, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of their ratification of the CTBT. 6 April 2023. https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/united-kingdom/news/article/draft-joint-statement-by-france-and-the-united-kingdom-on-the-occasion-of-the

    France Diplomacy. Traité sur l’interdiction complète des essais nucléaires (TICE) – La France déplore la décision de la Russie de révoquer sa ratification du traité. [Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) – France deplores Russia's decision to revoke its ratification of the treaty] 2 November 2023. https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/securite-desarmement-et-non-proliferation/actualites-et-evenements-lies-a-la-securite-au-desarmement-et-a-la-non/2023/article/traite-sur-l-interdiction-complete-des-essais-nucleaires-tice-la-france-deplore

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has been tasked with the deployment and operation of 16 stations of the International Monitoring System (IMS) on its territory and provides technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of eight stations abroad. It also operates a radionuclide measurement laboratory certified by the CTBTO. The last station under French responsibility, in Guadeloupe, was completed and became operational on 5 December 2019, allowing France to become the first NWS to have completed its contribution to the IMS.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has published working papers supporting the International Monitoring System (IMS) and organised a side-event during the 2025 NPT Preparatory Committee, in New York, entitled "Supporting the CTBTO International Monitoring System: a unique tool for the Treaty verification regime and the scientific and civil applications"

    Sources

    Working Paper. Sustaining the International Monitoring System of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test -Ban -Treaty Organization: a critical step for the credibility of compliance with the nuclear test moratorium and the services the System provides to the whole international community. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.38 (New York), 9 May 2025. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.38

    CTBTO. Activities Undertaken by Signatory and Ratifying States Under Measure (L) of the Final Declaration of the 2025 Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Treaty in the Period June 2023 – May 2025. CTBT-Art.XIV/2025/4. May 2025. https://www.ctbto.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/CTBT-Art.XIV-2025-4.pdf

    Working Paper. France and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: an exemplary nuclear-weapon State supporting a unique tool in the disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.10. 4 March 2025. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.10

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has expressed its full support for the beginning of negotiation on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices in accordance with the report of the Special Coordinator of 1995 (CD/1299).

    France proposed a draft treaty at the NPT Review Conference in 2015.

    It participated in the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on the FMCT in 2014-2015, the High-Level Preparatory Group (HLPG) in 2017-2018, and the Subsidiary Body for the Prevention of Nuclear War at the Conference on Disarmament.

    Through the European Union, France supports Action 7 of the United Nations Secretary-General's Agenda for Disarmament, which calls for ‘the early opening and conclusion of negotiations on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for weapons and other nuclear explosive devices' (Council Decision 2017/2284). This project allowed for the organisation of workshops and discussion on a potential FMCT in the African, the Asia-Pacific and the Latin America and Caribbean regions.

    France also supports the FMCT in the P5 context. At the highest level, President Macron supported the opening of negotiation on the FMCT as one of the four French priorities with regards to disarmament.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    At the Conference for Disarmament, France expressed its support for the opening of negotiation on a FMCT Treaty in various allocutions, in particular within Subsidiary organ 2 [prevention of nuclear war, including all related matters]. The objectives of the Treaty and the process supported by France was recalled in particular in interventions in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Emmanuel Macron. Speech of the President of the Republic on the Defense and Deterrence Strategy. (Paris), 7 February 2020. https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2020/02/07/speech-of-the-president-of-the-republic-on-the-defense-and-deterrence-strategy

    Conference on Disarmament. Draft Treaty Banning the Production of Fissile Material for Nuclear Weapons or Other Nuclear Explosive Devices Submitted by France. 9 April 2015. https://fissilematerials.org/library/france15e.pdf

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Subsidiary organ 2 [prevention of nuclear war, including all related matters] – Statement by the Ambassador, M. Yann Hwang (Geneva), 17 March 2022. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-Disarmament-Subsidiary-organ-2-prevention-of-nuclear-war

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Speech of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ms Catherine Colonna (Geneva), 27 February 2023. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-du-desarmement-Intervention-de-la-ministre-de-l-Europe-et-des

    Statement by France. Conference on disarmament – Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Alizée Semon on the prevention of nuclear war (item 2 of the CD agenda) (Geneva), 12 March 2024. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-du-desarmement-Intervention-de-la-Representante-permanente-adjointe

    Statement by France. Conference on Disarmament – Fourth statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Alizée Semon in Subsidiary Body 2 [Prevention of nuclear war: legally binding instruments, including technical and institutional aspects] (Geneva), 3 June 2025. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-du-desarmement-Quatrieme-intervention-du-Representant-permanent

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France indicated that it has no fissile material in excess of its defence requirements. Civilian fissile material is under the safeguards of the IAEA.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France indicated that it has no fissile material in excess of its defence requirements. Civilian fissile material is under the safeguards of the IAEA.

    Sources

    Working paper submitted by France. Nuclear disarmament: France’s concrete commitment Implementation by France of the “13 Practical Steps” contained in the 2000 Review Conference Final Document. NPT Review Conference (New York, 3-28 May 2010). May 2010. https://onu.delegfrance.org/IMG/pdf_Nuclear_Disarmament_-_13_Practical_Steps_of_2000.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has not communicated on the implementation of this action.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has not communicated on the implementation of this action.

    Sources

    France has not communicated on the implementation of this action.

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France stopped the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons in 1992 (plutonium) and 1996 (highly enriched uranium). It proceeded to the dismantlement of the facilities producing weapon-related fissile material. This dismantlement became irreversible in the 2000s.

    Several visits have been organised on the sites of Marcoule and Pierrelatte for diplomats and media (2008 and 2009).

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France continues to work on the technical dismantlement of the last reactors of Marcoule and to clean up the zone of the former facility.

    Sources

    Working paper submitted by France. Dismantling of plants for the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. NPT/CONF.2010/WP.37. 12 April 2010. https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2010/documents/WP37.pdf

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    President Macron listed the verification of nuclear disarmament as one of the four priorities of France regarding nuclear disarmament in 2020.

    France has taken part to the work of the IPNDV on this issue.

    It partnered with Germany in 2019 and 2022 to organise a practical exercise on nuclear disarmament verification (NuDiVe).

    It supported UNGA resolutions creating Groups of Governmental Experts on this issue and took part in the work of the GGEs.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France took part in the 2nd GGE on nuclear disarmament verification that handed its report in June 2023.

    It voted in favour of the UNGA resolution 79/240 creating a Group of Scientific and Technical Experts on Nuclear Disarmament Verification in December 2024.

    Sources

    Emmanuel Macron. Speech of the President of the Republic on the Defense and Deterrence Strategy. (Paris), 7 February 2020. https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2020/02/07/speech-of-the-president-of-the-republic-on-the-defense-and-deterrence-strategy

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France submitted a national report in 2015 in anticipation of the 2015 Review Conference and in 2021 in anticipation of the 2022 Review Conference. This last report has been presented publicly and discussed in meetings with civil society representatives and nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France submitted a national report in 2025 in anticipation of the 2026 Review Conference and plans to present it publicly and discuss it in meetings with civil society representatives and nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. NPT/CONF.2015/10. 2015. https://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/revcon2015/national-reports/10.pdf

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    In 2013, the P5 agreed on a common national reporting template.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France proposed in 2023 to plan a dedicated session during the Third Preparatory Committee to allow States Parties, and in particular nuclear-weapon States, to consult with and receive the views of other NPT States Parties and civil society ahead of the elaboration and submission of their national implementation reports.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Working Paper presented by France. Working Group on Further strengthening the review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Enhancing dialogue on national implementation reports. July 2023. https://docs-library.unoda.org/Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons_-Working_group_on_further_strengthening_the_review_process_(2023)/13._WG_-_France_E.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has been supporting UNGA resolutions on youth participation in disarmament and supports the UNODA Young Fellowship Programme.

    It has supported the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) through votes at the UNGA and financial contributions.

    It expresses its support for research on disarmament at the national level (studies by think tank and academics), promoting the emergence of young researchers, and at the EU level, through the EU Consortium on Disarmament and Nonproliferation.

    France launched the idea of the creation of a P5 Young Professional Network in 2021.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has supported the P5 Young Professional Network, funding the participation of French experts to the meetings.

    France has continued to support UNIDIR financially (354,000 euros in 2024), a contribution that was dedicated to the production of a study on how to revitalize the CD, the setting up of a portal on space security, the translation of research work into French and the launch a series of courses on disarmament in French for the French-speaking community.

    France continues to express its support for research on disarmament at the national level (studies by think tank and academics) and EU level, through the EU Consortium on Disarmament and Non-proliferation.

    Sources

    Statement by France. Conference on disarmament – Statement by Ambassador Camille PETIT on education and research in disarmament (Geneva), 6 June 2024. https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conference-on-disarmament-Statement-by-Ambassador-Camille-PETIT-on-education

Non-Proliferation

View non-proliferation actions for all countries

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France officially supports the universalisation of the NPT. In 2006, it stated officially that France, alongside the European Union, called all non-parties to join the NPT as non-nuclear weapon states. No information is available on specific outreach activities towards these states.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    No new development has occurred since 2022 regarding the implementation of this action. The support for the universalisation has been reiterated in the National Report submitted to the 2026 Review Conference.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Response to Parliamentary Question n°101693, published to the Journal Officiel on 14 November 2006, https://questions.assemblee-nationale.fr/q12/12-101693QE.htm

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    The following agreements have been adopted to place relevant French installations under safeguards, according to the specificies of nuclear-weapon states:

    • Voluntary Offer Agreement (VOA) between France, Euratom and the IAEA of July 27, 1978 (INFCIRC/290) in force since 12 September 1981
    • Additional Protocol (AP) of 22 September 1998 (INFCIRC/290/Add.1) in force since 30 April 2004
    • Safeguards Agreement for the Caribbean French territories of 21 March 2000 (INFCIRC/718) in force since 26 October 2007, together with the modifications on the Small Quantities Protocol of 17 September 2017, in force since 25 February 2019.

    From 2013 to 2022, between 15 and 23 IAEA inspections were conducted annually on 17 eligible installations.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2023 and 2024, the IAEA and the French government indicated that 10 inspections had taken place in France. Discussions are ongoing with the IAEA on the possibility of placing additional French civilian nuclear facilities to IAEA inspections.

    Sources

    EURATOM and IAEA Safeguards in France: Current Situation and Future Challenges, INMM ESARDA 2023 – Paper ID 237, 2023.

    International safeguards implementation in France, Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.12, Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, 4 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.12

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has called for the universalisation of comprehensive safeguards agreements. The European Union has conducted outreach dialogue on this aspect, especially towards states which have not yet modified their original Small Quantities Protocols (SQP) to their Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France and the EU have reiterated it supports the universalisation of the IAEA comprehensive safeguard agreements. France was one of the the countries providing direct contributions to launch the 2024-2026 COMPASS project, an initiative designed to help states build capacity for nuclear safeguards.

    Sources

    EU Statement on Agenda item 7(a): The conclusion of safeguards agreements and of additional protocols IAEA Board of Governors Vienna, 1-5 March 2021, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/7a._eu_statement_on_iaea_safeguards_final.pdf

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    EU Statement at the General Debate 68th Regular Session of the General Conference International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna, 16-20 September 2024, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/24/09/hungary-on-behalf-of-eu-gc68.pdf

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11. 5 March 2025. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf#:~:text=France%20is%20one%20of%20the,Technical%20Cooperation%20Fund%20in%202025.

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has been actively involved in efforts to solve proliferation crises, in particular with regards to Iran and the DPRK.

    On Iran, it has been involved as part of the E3 in pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the crisis but also implementing sanctions at the UN and EU level in reaction to Iran non-compliance to its non-proliferation obligations. This involvement led to the adoption of the JCPOA in 2015. It has remained active on this file as part of the E3 following the unravelling of the JCPOA. In particular, the E3 triggered the JCPoA’s dispute resolution mechanism in January 2020. In 2020 and 2021, they engaged in talks with the aim of restoring the JCPoA and returning the United States to the deal.

    With regard to the DPRK, France has been actively condemning the withdrawal of the country from the NPT, which it considers illegal. It has voted consistently at the UN Security Council to condemn key nuclear developments, in particular nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. It has supported the Panel of Experts established to monitor sanctions taken against the DPRK in accordance with various UN resolutions. At the 2019 Preparatory Committee, it sponsored a joint statement on the North Korean nuclear challenge.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    Since 2022, France has continued its involvement as part of the E3 to try and restore the JCPOA and convince Iran to implement its obligations. In July 2025, the E3 offered a one-time snapback extension provided that Iran agreed to resume direct and unconditional negotiations with the United States, return to compliance with its legally binding safeguards obligations, and address its high enriched uranium stockpile. In August 2025, they officially notified the UN of their intent to reinstate sanctions due to Iran’s “clear and persistent non-performance” of its commitments. These sanctions are part of the “snapback mechanism” described under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which was adopted to implement the JCPOA in 2015. On 19 September 2025, France voted against preserving sanctions exemption at the UN Security Council. On 28 September 2025, the snapback was officially activated by France, Germany and the UK and the three countries have been working since on the re-imposition of the various sanction regimes and attempting to put in place a sanction monitoring committee.

    France has continued to oppose, at the highest level, North Korea’s nuclear programme, including at the UN Security Council. France has spoken out against Russia’s decision to block the renewal of the mandate of the DPRK sanction Panel of Expert. At the 2024 Preparatory Committee, it sponsored a joint statement underlining the urgency and stakes of this proliferation crisis and organised a side-event in cooperation with South Korea and the Philippines. At the 2025 Preparatory Committee, France cosponsored another side-event on the DPRK’s nuclear challenge with South Korea.

    Sources

    Activation of the snapback – Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (28 September 2025), France Diplomacy, 28 September 2025, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/iran/news/article/activation-of-the-snapback-joint-statement-by-the-foreign-ministers-of-france

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Statement by Mr Nicolas De Rivière, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations to the Security Council, (translation from French), New York, Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, 13 July 2023, https://onu.delegfrance.org/france-will-not-resign-itself-to-north-korea-becoming-a-nuclear-state

    Addressing the North Korean nuclear challenge, Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT/CONF.2020/PC.III/13, 13 May 2019, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/PC.III/13

    Conclusion of the 2nd Preparatory Committee of the NPT, Permanent Representation of France to the Conference of Disarmament, 14 August 2024, https://cd-geneve.delegfrance.org/Conclusion-of-the-2nd-Preparatory-Committee-of-the-NPT

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    In addition to policies taken in the implementation of action 26 with regard to the question of Iran’s compliance with its safeguards, France has also raised its concern with regard to Syria’s implementation of its safeguards agreement (Dayr Al-Zawr site).

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In addition to policies taken in the implementation of action 26 with regard to the question of Iran’s compliance with its safeguards, France has also continued to raise its concern with regard to Syria’s implementation of its safeguards agreement (Dayr Al-Zawr site).

    Sources

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France signed an additional protocol to its safeguards agreement with the IAEA in 1998, which came in force on 30 April 2004.

    France expressed its support for the universalisation of Additional Protocols. France is a member of the “Group of Friends of the Additional Protocol”.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued its participation to the “Group of Friends of the Additional Protocol” and also promotes the universalisation of additional protocols through the European Union.

    Sources

    IAEA. Protocol Additional to the Agreement between France, the European Atomic Energy Community and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in France. INFCIRC/290/Add.1. 24 February 2005. https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/documents/infcircs/1981/infcirc290a1.pdf

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    France Diplomacy. Focuses of the fight against nuclear proliferation. Accessed on 25 September 2025. https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/disarmament-and-non-proliferation/treaty-on-the-non-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons/focuses-of-the-fight-against-nuclear-proliferation/

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has called for the universalisation of comprehensive safeguards agreements. The European Union has conducted outreach dialogue on this aspect, especially towards states which have not yet modified their original Small Quantities Protocols (SQP) to their Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France and the EU have reiterated it supports the universalisation of the IAEA comprehensive safeguard agreements. France was one of the the countries providing direct contributions to launch the 2024-2026 COMPASS project, an initiative designed to help states build capacity for nuclear safeguards.

    Sources

    EU Statement on Agenda item 7(a): The conclusion of safeguards agreements and of additional protocols IAEA Board of Governors Vienna, 1-5 March 2021, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/7a._eu_statement_on_iaea_safeguards_final.pdf

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    EU Statement at the General Debate 68th Regular Session of the General Conference International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna, 16-20 September 2024, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/24/09/hungary-on-behalf-of-eu-gc68.pdf

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11. 5 March 2025. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf#:~:text=France%20is%20one%20of%20the,Technical%20Cooperation%20Fund%20in%202025.

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    The following agreements have been adopted to place relevant French installations under safeguards, according to the specificies of nuclear-weapon states:

    • Voluntary Offer Agreement (VOA) between France, Euratom and the IAEA of July 27, 1978 (INFCIRC/290) in force since 12 September 1981
    • Additional Protocol (AP) of 22 September 1998 (INFCIRC/290/Add.1) in force since 30 April 2004
    • Safeguards Agreement for the Caribbean French territories of 21 March 2000 (INFCIRC/718) in force since 26 October 2007, together with the modifications on the Small Quantities Protocol of 17 September 2017, in force since 25 February 2019.

    From 2013 to 2022, between 15 and 23 IAEA inspections were conducted annually on 17 eligible installations.

    As per EURATOM agreements, financial and personnel costs linked to inspections are covered by EURATOM members.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2023 and 2024, the IAEA and the French government indicated that 10 inspections had taken place in France. Discussions are ongoing with the IAEA on the possibility of placing additional French civilian nuclear facilities to IAEA inspections.

    Sources

    EURATOM and IAEA Safeguards in France: Current Situation and Future Challenges, INMM ESARDA 2023 – Paper ID 237, 2023.

    International safeguards implementation in France, Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.12, Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, 4 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.12

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    The modified Small Quantities Protocol for the French Caribbean territories (INFCIRC 718) took effect on February 2019. The European Union has conducted outreach dialogue on this aspect, especially towards states which have not yet modified their original Small Quantities Protocols (SQP) to their Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France’s implementation of the Small Quantities Protocol has continued during the current Review Cycle.

    Sources

    EU Statement at the General Debate 68th Regular Session of the General Conference International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna, 16-20 September 2024, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/24/09/hungary-
    on-behalf-of-eu-gc68.pdf
    Agreement between the French Republic, the European Atomic Energy Community and the
    International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, Information Circular, INFCIRC/718, 3 January 2008,
    https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/documents/infcircs/2008/infcirc718.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has supported developments of the IAEA safeguards system, defending in particular the implementation of state-level approaches. IAEA has started to implement a state-level approach to apply safeguards in France in 2020.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to support developments of the IAEA safeguards system, defending in particular the implementation of state-level approaches. France’s contribution to the IAEA regular budget was around 3.7% in 2025. 39% of the IAEA’s regular budget in 2026 is devoted to safeguards implementation.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

    Scale of Assessment of Member States’ Contributions towards the Regular Budget for 2026, GC(69)/RES/6, 17 September 2025, https://www.iaea.org/gc69/gc69res6

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    In 1983, France established the French Support Programme for IAEA safeguards (PFSG), which provides for technology transfer, financial contributions and expert advice to the IAEA Department of Safeguards. The PFSG is coordinated by the CEA International Relations Division. In addition to CEA, the programme also involves other French stakeholders: EDF, the Ministry of the Armed Forces/Nuclear Defence and Security Expertise Division (DEND) (formerly IRSN), the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Orano in particular. Under the programme, training activities for the Agency (for example on the fuel cycle and enrichment processes), including regular visits to French sites, participation in the Agency’s analyses, including interlaboratory comparisons. France has provided other exceptional contributions, in particular 1 million euros allocated between 2020 and 2022 to support the refurbishment of the LG-SIMS mass spectrometer. The European Commission also supports IAEA nuclear safeguards.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France continues to assist the IAEA Department of Safeguards through the French Support Programme for IAEA safeguards (PFSG). In 2024, more than 1.4 million euro was allocated to the Department, mostly through the programme, as an extra-budgetary contribution. A French expert is seconded in the Department of Safeguards

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

    France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency, Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11, 5 March 2025, https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has been leading research & development on technologies that can be used for advanced safeguards. Through the French Support Programme for IAEA safeguards (PFSG), established in 1983, it has participated in the training of AIEA inspectors in all facilities of its fuel cycle. The PFSG’s purpose is to develop the resources required to implement safeguards, including equipment, measurement systems, information and sample analysis, expertise, satellite imagery and training.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France continues research & development on technologies that can be used for advanced safeguards and training of AIEA inspectors through the implement of the French Support Programme for IAEA safeguards (PFSG). The PFSG’s purpose is to develop the resources required to implement safeguards, including equipment, measurement systems, information and sample analysis, expertise, satellite imagery and training.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

    France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency, Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11, 5 March 2025, https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf

    Projet de loi portant application du protocole additionnel à l’accord entre la France, la Communauté européenne de l’énergie atomique et l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique relatif à l’application de garanties en France, Rapport n° 621 (2012-2013), déposé le 4 juin 2013, Sénat, https://www.senat.fr/rap/l12-621/l12-621_mono.html

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has concluded several intergovernmental agreements related civil nuclear cooperation with third countries (Australia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Morocco, Mongolia, Morocco, Tunisia, Vietnam, Slovakia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Argentina, Switzerland….), which include clauses that make the materials, goods and equipment subject to IAEA safeguards. Civil nuclear cooperation with third countries is conditioned to their implementation of safeguards.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to implement intergovernmental agreements related civil nuclear cooperation with third countries which include clauses that make the materials, goods and equipment subject to IAEA safeguards.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    National report submitted by France. National report pursuant to actions 5, 20 and 21 of the final document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 2015–2022. NPT/CONF.2020/42. (New York), 20 December 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/42

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France is a member of the Zangger Committee, Australia Group, Wassenaar Arrangement and Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). It is active in these regimes to update control lists. As it joined these regimes, France has ensured that its bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreements with third countries and the cooperation undertaken in those frameworks respect the commitments taken within them. Regulation (EU) 2021/821 is also implemented for the control of dual-use goods and technologies.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to take part in the Zangger Committee, Australia Group, Wassenaar Arrangement and Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items (recast), PE/54/2020/REV/2, 20 May 2021, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/821/oj/eng

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has concluded several intergovernmental agreements related civil nuclear cooperation with third countries (Australia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Morocco, Mongolia, Morocco, Tunisia, Vietnam, Slovakia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Argentina, Switzerland….), which include clauses that make the materials, goods and equipment subject to IAEA safeguards. Civil nuclear cooperation with third countries is conditioned to their implementation of safeguards.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to implement intergovernmental agreements related civil nuclear cooperation with third countries which include clauses that make the materials, goods and equipment subject to IAEA safeguards.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France supports the legitimate right of all States parties, in particular developing States, to full access to nuclear material, equipment and technological information for peaceful purposes civil applications of the atom in fields such as health, agriculture, protection of the environment and cultural heritage, and energy; as long as states are in compliance with their non-proliferation commitments. France in particular promotes the use of civilian nuclear energy, for which the French nuclear industry is especially active in framing international cooperation.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to support the legitimate right of all States parties, in particular developing States, to full access to nuclear material, equipment and technological information for peaceful purposes civil applications of the atom in fields such as health, agriculture, protection of the environment and cultural heritage, and energy; as long as states are in compliance with their non-proliferation commitments. At the 2023 NPT Preparatory, France presented a working paper on nuclear energy including developments on areas of cooperation and in 2025, a paper on principles and areas of engagement regarding bilateral nuclear cooperation. On 6 May 2025, it organised a side-event at the NPT Preparatory Committee dedicated to nuclear technologies used to fight against cancer. It organised a side-event in 2023 and 2024 on nuclear applications in preserving cultural and natural heritage and submitted a working paper at the 2025 NPT Preparatory Committee on the same topic.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Third NPT Preparatory Committee – Peaceful Uses and Other Provisions of the Treaty – May 7, 2025 in New York, Statement by Nathalie Le Bars, 7 May 2025, https://onu-vienne.delegfrance.org/Third-NPT-Preparatory-Committee-Peaceful-Uses-and-Other-Provisions-of-the

    Nuclear energy: Presentation of France’s offer Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.I/WP.26, 27 July 2023, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom23/documents/WP26.pdf

    Atoms for heritage: peaceful use of nuclear techniques for heritage science Working paper submitted by Albania, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), Peru, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.21, 1 April 2025, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom25/documents/WP21.pdf

    France’s bilateral nuclear cooperation: principles and areas of engagement Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.13, 4 March 2025, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom25/documents/WP13.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France takes part in efforts of all States parties, in particular developing States, to get full access to nuclear material, equipment and technological information for peaceful purposes civil applications of the atom in fields such as health, agriculture, protection of the environment and cultural heritage, and energy; as long as states are in compliance with their non-proliferation commitments. France in particular promotes the use of civil nuclear energy, for which the French nuclear industry is especially active in framing international cooperation.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to support efforts of all States parties, in particular developing States, to get full access to nuclear material, equipment and technological information for peaceful purposes civil applications of the atom in fields such as health, agriculture, protection of the environment and cultural heritage, and energy; as long as states are in compliance with their non-proliferation commitments. At the 2023 NPT Preparatory, France presented a working paper on nuclear energy including developments on areas of cooperation and in 2025, a paper on principles and areas of engagement regarding bilateral nuclear cooperation. On 6 May 2025, it organised a side-event at the NPT Preparatory Committee dedicated to nuclear technologies used to fight against cancer. It organised a side-event in 2023 and 2024 on nuclear applications in preserving cultural and natural heritage and submitted a working paper at the 2025 NPT Preparatory Committee on the same topic.

    On 10 March 2026, France hosted the second world summit in Paris in coordination with the IAEA to promote the civil use of nuclear energy.

    France is a regular contributor to extra-budgetary funds such as the Peaceful Uses Initiative and the Nuclear Security Fund. In 2024, it contributed 250 000 euros to extra-budgetary contributions allotted to technical cooperation projects (6th individual country by contribution). In 2024, this contribution supported among other the Introduction of nuclear power project, a four-year new interregional project to support Member States in developing national infrastructure for safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programmes. In addition, France was a donor to the ‘Rays of Hope’ programme in 2024, it hosted a ‘Zodiac’ National Laboratory and was one of the national coordinators of the programme which aims to prepare for and respond to zoonotic diseases. The yearly International School of Nuclear Law was held in Montpellier in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2024, ten radiopharmacists participated in the School of Radiopharmacy, organised by the Agency in collaboration with France’s National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology. Two Research Reactor Schools, conducted in France and the Russian Federation, trained young professionals from 17 Member States in a broad range of topics related to physics, safe operation and applications.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Third NPT Preparatory Committee – Peaceful Uses and Other Provisions of the Treaty – May 7, 2025 in New York, Statement by Nathalie Le Bars, 7 May 2025, https://onu-vienne.delegfrance.org/Third-NPT-Preparatory-Committee-Peaceful-Uses-and-Other-Provisions-of-the

    Nuclear energy: Presentation of France’s offer Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.I/WP.26, 27 July 2023, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom23/documents/WP26.pdf

    Atoms for heritage: peaceful use of nuclear techniques for heritage science Working paper submitted by Albania, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), Peru, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.21, 1 April 2025, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom25/documents/WP21.pdf

    France’s bilateral nuclear cooperation: principles and areas of engagement Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.13, 4 March 2025, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom25/documents/WP13.pdf

    World Nuclear Energy Summit (10 March 2026), France Diplomacy, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/economic-diplomacy-foreign-trade/world-nuclear-energy-summit-10-march-2026/

    Technical Cooperation Report for 2024, Report By the Director General, IAEA, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc69-inf6.pdf

    Atoms for Peace and Development, Annual Report, 2024, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc69-3.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France is a Party to all relevant international instruments in this area since ratifying the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, on 1 February 2013, and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, on 11 September 2013. In 2020, France updated and translated into English its national report on the implementation of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to implement relevant international instruments regarding the security and physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities. At the 2024 NPT Review Conference, it presented a working paper on Nuclear safety and security.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Nuclear safety and security serving the development of nuclear energy and its applications Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.II/WP.10, 29 May 2024, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom24/documents/WP10.pdf

    Nuclear safety and security, France Diplomacy, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/disarmament-and-non-proliferation/treaty-on-the-non-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons/peaceful-uses-of-nuclear-energy/article/nuclear-safety-and-security

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France implements the Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Revision 5, IAEA Nuclear Security Series, No. 13). French regulations incorporate all the provisions of the IAEA circular and go even further in some cases. France hosted an International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) peer review mission led by IAEA in November 2011 and a follow-up mission in 2018, which found that the French nuclear security regime was “robust and well established”.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to implement recommendations and to update its regulation.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has ratified the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material on 1 February 2013.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    As an EU member, France has called for the universalisation of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    EU Statement on Agenda item 4: Nuclear Security Board of Governors International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna, 8-12 September 2025, https://www.government.is/library/09-Embassies/Vienna/Agenda%20Item%204%20-%20EU%20statement%20on%20Nuclear%20Security%20Report.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has committed to implement the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and the two supplementary guidance documents, on the import and export of radioactive sources, and on the management of disused radioactive sources, respectively. A new decree came into force on 1 January 2020 to strengthen measures for protecting sources of ionizing radiation and batches of radioactive sources from malicious acts. The decree is consistent with the recommendations of IAEA, in particular.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France is still committed to implement the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and the two supplementary guidance documents, on the import and export of radioactive sources, and on the management of disused radioactive sources, respectively.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France signed an agreement with IAEA in 2011 to identify sources exported by French companies and secure those sources in the countries where they are now located or, where that is impossible, to bring them back to France for processing. At the Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington, D.C. in 2016, the President of the Republic proposed an initiative to strengthen the security of high activity sealed radioactive sources. France held side events on this subject during the International Conference on the Security of Radioactive Material, held in Vienna in December 2018. Alongside Germany and the United States of America, France co-chairs an annual technical meeting to identify and promote initiatives on alternative technologies to high-activity radioactive sources.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France held side events on this subject during the International Conference on Nuclear Security, held in May 2024.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    International Conference on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources Abu Dhabi, October 27-31, 2013 Security of Radioactive Sources France – IAEA cooperation France Repatriation policy, https://www.wins.org/files/13-114_full_paper_iaea_abu_dhabi_conf_oct_27-31_security_of_radioactive_sources__france-iaea_cooperation__b_se.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism in 2013. Since 2005, France has submitted a biennial resolution to the UN General Assembly entitled ‘Preventing the acquisition by terrorists of radioactive materials and sources’ (with Germany) and co-sponsored the Indian resolution entitled “Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction’. In December 2018, the European Union adopted COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/1939 for the support for the universalization and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. This Council Decision supports the UNODC and UNOCT to conduct outreach missions in order to increase the number of states parties to the ICSANT and to improve its implementation.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2024, France co-sponsored a biennial resolution to the UN General Assembly entitled ‘Preventing the acquisition by terrorists of radioactive materials and sources’ (with Germany) and co-sponsored the Indian resolution entitled “Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction’. In 2023, the European Union adopted COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/1187 for the support for the universalization and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. This Council Decision supports the UNODC and UNOCT to conduct outreach missions in order to increase the number of states parties to the ICSANT and to improve its implementation.

    As part of the G7, France has also called for the universalization of ICSANT (2024).

    Sources

    Nuclear safety and security, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/disarmament-and-non-proliferation/treaty-on-the-non-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons/peaceful-uses-of-nuclear-energy/article/nuclear-safety-and-security

    General and complete disarmament Report of the First Committee, UNGA, A/79/408, 15 November 2024, https://docs.un.org/en/A/79/408

    Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1939 of 10 December 2018 on Union support for the universalisation and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, Official Journal of the European Union, L314/41, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2018/1939/oj/eng

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/1187 of 19 June 2023, on Union support for the universalisation and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/1187/oj/eng

    Statement of the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group, April 18, 2024, https://g7.utoronto.ca/summit/2024apulia/240418-nonproliferation-directors-group.html

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    In April 2005, France signed an action plan with IAEA (renewed in 2013) to support IAEA nuclear and radiological security activities. France contributes to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund. It took part to the funding of the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre in Seibersdorf (Austria).

    France is contributing to the IAEA’s COMPASS initiative launched in 2020 to strengthen the national authorities supervising safeguards implementation and their State Systems for and Control of Nuclear Material.

    As part of the EU, it also supports the IAEA’s activities in the areas of nuclear security.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France continues to contribute to the IAEA’s COMPASS initiative to strengthen the national authorities supervising safeguards implementation and their State Systems for and Control of Nuclear Material.

    As part of the EU, it renewed its support to the IAEA’s activities in the areas of nuclear security.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1656 of 6 November 2020 on Union support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the areas of nuclear security and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2020/1656/oj

    COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2024/656 of 19 February 2024 on Union support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the area of nuclear security, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32024D0656

Peaceful Uses

View peaceful uses actions for all countries

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has mentioned regularly and officially that the inalienable right of States Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to develop and use civil nuclear energy and its applications for peaceful purposes is a fundamental principle of the non-proliferation regime, provided that states comply with their international non-proliferation commitments and obligations.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    On 10 March 2026, France hosted the second world Nuclear Energy Summit, in close collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations and financial institutions, industrial actors and experts to advance the global deployment of nuclear energy to address major energy and climate challenges.

    Sources

    Declaration of the Nuclear Alliance, Elysee.fr, 11 March 2026, https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron/2026/03/11/declaration-of-the-nuclear-alliance

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    World Nuclear Energy Summit (10 March 2026), France Diplomatie, 20 February 2026, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/presse-et-ressources/decouvrir-et-informer/actualites/sommet-mondial-sur-l-energie-nucleaire-10-mars-2026

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has regularly paid extra-budgetary contributions allotted to technical cooperation projects, especially to the Technical Cooperation programme or the Peaceful Uses Initiative. It has participated in kind to many projects, providing experts, laboratories and other facilities, or hosting workshops and assisting with training of experts from third countries.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2024, France contributed 250 000 euros to extra-budgetary contributions allotted to technical cooperation projects (6th individual country by contribution). In 2024, this contribution supported among other the Introduction of nuclear power project, a four-year new interregional project to support Member States in developing national infrastructure for safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programmes. France also provides supports to the Peaceful Uses Initiative. More specifically, France was a donor to the ‘Rays of Hope’ programme in 2024, it hosted a ‘Zodiac’ National Laboratory and was one of the national coordinators of the programme which aims to prepare for and respond to zoonotic diseases. The yearly International School of Nuclear Law was held in Montpellier in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2024, ten radiopharmacists participated in the School of Radiopharmacy, organised by the Agency in collaboration with France’s National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology. Two Research Reactor Schools, conducted in France and the Russian Federation, trained young professionals from 17 Member States in a broad range of topics related to physics, safe operation and applications.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Technical Cooperation Report for 2024, Report By the Director General, IAEA, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc69-inf6.pdf

    Atoms for Peace and Development, Annual Report, 2024, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc69-3.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has signed 24 bilateral agreements for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

    Cooperation in the further development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes has been ongoing in the following sectors. Regarding nuclear energy, France has designed and constructed nuclear reactors, including EPRs in China (2018 and 2019), Finland (2022) and the UK (ongoing). French companies (EDF, Framatome, Orano …) are supplying services along the entire nuclear fuel cycle for around 400 reactors worldwide (providing nuclear fuel, radioactive waste management, maintenance of a secure and sustainable fuel supply, dismantling of plants…). The International Institute of Nuclear Energy is involved in the training of international partners, as well as the National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, which has been recognised an IAEA Collaborating Centre since 2016 and trains partners in nuclear power programmes, research programmes and programmes to develop nuclear applications for health. In March 2022, a Centre of Excellence in nuclear security was founded by French companies as part of the IAEA Nuclear Security Support Centre network.

    French company EDF has developed the SMR project NUWARD. EDF and the French Nuclear Safety Authority are working with its Finnish, Czech, Netherlands, Polish and Swedish counterparts to work on the authorizations processes for these types of reactors. It brings together training programmes from French companies in nuclear security, notably with a view to operational implementation by nuclear operators of IAEA recommendations. EDF, Orano and INSTN, in cooperation with CEA and ANDRA, also offer tailored training for those starting out in partnership with IAEA. EDF also offers onsite training of technicians who will work at plants.

    France takes part in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, alongside the European Union, India, the Russian Federation, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United States. France is also involved in the development of the Jules Horowitz Reactor with the Czech Republic, Spain, Finland, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Sweden, India, Israel, China and the European Commission.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    On 10 March 2026, France hosted the second world Nuclear Energy Summit, in close collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations and financial institutions, industrial actors and experts to advance the global deployment of nuclear energy to address major energy and climate challenges. Newcomers in the field of nuclear power from Latin America, Africa and South East Asia attended.

    The activities listed above, regarding industrial cooperation, exports, and service providing, research and development, training and certifications, have continued during the current Review Cycle.

    Sources

    Nuclear energy: report on the expertise of France, Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.II/WP.8, 28 May 2024, https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom24/documents/WP8.pdf

    Accords France / Etats tiers pour l’utilisation de l’énergie nucléaire à des fins pacifiques (24), 22 May 2019, https://www.cte.gouv.fr/Documents/Liste%20des%20accords%20bilat%C3%A9raux%20France.pdf

    World Nuclear Energy Summit (10 March 2026), France Diplomatie, 20 February 2026, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/presse-et-ressources/decouvrir-et-informer/actualites/sommet-mondial-sur-l-energie-nucleaire-10-mars-2026

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    Previous to 2010, France had signed 19 bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with third countries, including India (non party to the Treaty), and 6 as part of Euratom.

    From 2010 to 2022, France signed 5 bilateral additional nuclear cooperation agreements with third countries, all parties to the NPT, as well as 3 as part of Euratom.

    France maintains services both in Paris and embassies to promote nuclear cooperation.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France announced new nuclear cooperation agreements with NPT state parties (Netherlands in 2023, Bulgaria and Italy in 2024).

    Sources

    Accords France / Etats tiers pour l’utilisation de l’énergie nucléaire à des fins pacifiques (24), 22 May 2019, https://www.cte.gouv.fr/Documents/Liste%20des%20accords%20bilat%C3%A9raux%20France.pdf

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    EURATOM Technical Committee. Tableau des accords communautaires avec les États tiers concernant l’utilisation pacifique des matières et équipements nucléaires. [Table of Community agreements with third countries on the peaceful use of nuclear materials and equipment] 10 February 2010. https://www.cte.gouv.fr/Documents/Tableau%20des%20accords%20Euratom%20%C3%89tats%20tiers_FR_MC_2023.02.10.pdf

    Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. Signature par Bruno Le Maire et Rumen Radev d’une déclaration d’intention pour l’établissement d’une coopération bilatérale dans le domaine de l’énergie nucléaire. [Signing by Bruno Le Maire and Rumen Radev of a declaration of intent to establish bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy] Press Release. 21 February 2024. https://presse.economie.gouv.fr/signature-par-bruno-le-maire-et-rumen-radev-dune-declaration-dintention-pour-letablissement-dune-cooperation-bilaterale-dans-le-domaine-de-lenergie-nucleaire/

    Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. La France et les Pays-Bas signent un pacte pour l'innovation et la croissance durable. [France and the Netherlands sign a pact for innovation and sustainable growth] Press Release. 13 April 2023. https://presse.economie.gouv.fr/13042023-la-france-et-les-pays-bas-signent-un-pacte-pour-linnovation-et-la-croissance-durable/

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group and implements its directives, as well as domestic and EU regulations, to frame its nuclear exports policies. Through its commercial providers, it is responsible for technology transfers and training of operators in dozens of countries.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France continued to implement the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group’s directives, as well as domestic and EU regulations, to frame its nuclear exports policies. Through its commercial providers, it is responsible for technology transfers and training of operators in dozens of countries.

    Sources

    Nuclear energy: report on the expertise of France, Working paper submitted by France, NPT/CONF.2026/PC.II/WP.8, 28 May 2024,https://reachingcriticalwill.org/images/documents/Disarmament-fora/npt/prepcom24/documents/WP8.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France supports the technical cooperation programme of the IAEA but has not made specific statements to that end at the General Conference of the IAEA. The EU has expressed itself on this issue at the Board of Governors and emitted recommendations.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France supports the technical cooperation programme of the IAEA but has not made specific statements to that end at the General Conference of the IAEA. In 2023, 2024 and 2025, the European Union released a statement at the IAEA Board of Governors on strengthening of the Agency’s technical cooperation activities. In this statement, EU member states stress the importance of coordinating these initiatives and other TC related activities with other UN agencies, based on the country ownership and national priorities. Further synergies could also be sought with other initiatives, such as Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, for instance to further enhance food safety and security and promote sustainable solutions. They welcome the IAEA’s commitment to take gender perspective into account in TC programme planning, design, implementation and evaluation. They indicate that nuclear safety and security remain among the priority Fields of Activities. Finally, they encourage further prioritisation of initiatives and projects, further in-house cooperation and coordination, and further transparency in order to avoid duplication and invite the IAEA to continue active project monitoring and evaluation, based upon verifiable and transparent indicators, to assess results and the sustainability of projects, and to identify possible areas of improvement.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11. 5 March 2025. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf#:~:text=France%20is%20one%20of%20the,Technical%20Cooperation%20Fund%20in%202025.

    Technical Cooperation Report for 2024, Report by the Director General, IAEA, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc69-inf6_0.pdf

    EU Statement at the IAEA Board of Governors on strengthening of the Agency’s technical cooperation activities – Technical Cooperation Report for 2024, Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna, 9 June 2025, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/vienna-international-organisations/eu-statement-iaea-board-governors-strengthening-agency%E2%80%99s-technical-cooperation-activities-%E2%80%93_en

    EU Statement on Strengthening of the Agency’s technical cooperation activities – Technical Cooperation Report for 2023 – IAEA Board of Governors, Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna, 3 June 2024, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/vienna-international-organisations/eu-statement-strengthening-agency%E2%80%99s-technical-cooperation-activities-%E2%80%93-technical-cooperation-report_en

    EU Statement at IAEA Board of Governors on the strengthening of the Agency’s technical cooperation activities, TC Report 2022, Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna, 5 June 2023, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/vienna-international-organisations/eu-statement-iaea-board-governors-strengthening-agency%E2%80%99s-technical-cooperation-activities-tc-report_en

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France states its full support for the activities of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, which takes in particular the form of contributing expertise and financial resources. It has supported the IAEA technical cooperation programme through participation of its experts to activities and extra-budgetary contributions (around 4.7 million euros in 2022).

    As part of the Technical Cooperation Programme, France welcomes around 30 trainees and 30 visiting scientists selected by the IAEA from partner institutes and industries, mostly coming from French-speaking Africa and Southeast Asia (Cambodia and Vietnam).

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2024, French contributions to the IAEA technical cooperation programme helped to finance projects to support the safety of Ukrainian nuclear facilities and the development of nuclear medicine techniques in Africa and the Middle East. In 2023, France’s extra-budgetary contribution rose to 7 million euros and to 6 million in 2024. France contributed over 15,710,000 euros to the regular budget of the AIEA in 2025 and around 4,072,000 euros to the Technical Cooperation Fund. In 2025, France was the sixth largest contributor to the Agency’s regular budget.

    It continued to host trainees and visiting scientists in its civilian nuclear research centres. France contributed over 15,710,000 euros to the regular budget of the AIEA in 2025 and around 4,072,000 euros to the Technical Cooperation Fund. In 2025, France was the sixth largest contributor to the Agency’s regular budget.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11. 5 March 2025. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf#:~:text=France%20is%20one%20of%20the,Technical%20Cooperation%20Fund%20in%202025.

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France supports the programme through the participation of its experts in various technical cooperation activities and through extrabudgetary contributions, in addition to its annual contribution to the Technical Cooperation Fund.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2023, French contributions to the IAEA technical cooperation programme reached 870 000 euros. In 2024, France contributed 250000 euros to the IAEA Technical cooperation programme. In 2023, France’s extra-budgetary contribution rose to 7 million euros and to 6 million in 2024. France contributed over 15,710,000 euros to the regular budget of the IAEA in 2025 and around 4,072,000 euros to the Technical Cooperation Fund. In 2025, France was the sixth largest contributor to the Agency’s regular budget.

    Sources

    Technical Cooperation Report for 2024, Report by the Director General, IAEA, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc69-inf6_0.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has been consistently making extrabudgetary contributions to the IAEA. From 2014 to 2023, its contribution rose from almost 124% from around 2 millions euros to 7 millions euros. A portion of which is included in its contribution to the Peaceful Uses Initiative.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    Under the Peaceful Uses Initiative, France targeted extrabudgetary funding to ‘foodnote-a’ projects, in particular aiming at developing nuclear medicine techniques in Africa and the Middle East.

    Sources

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11. 5 March 2025. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf#:~:text=France%20is%20one%20of%20the,Technical%20Cooperation%20Fund%20in%202025.

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France’s higher education system in the field of nuclear energy is open to nationals of third countries, and some 20 per cent of those graduating from French master’s programmes in nuclear energy are foreign nationals. The National Nuclear Science and Technology Institute (INSTN) has been an IAEA Collaborating Centre since 2016. It carries out various capacity-building activities for partner countries through nuclear power programmes, research programmes and programmes to develop nuclear applications for health. INSTN training courses conducted or planned in collaboration IAEA include a certificate course on the use of radiotracers in industrial applications, an interregional training course on fuel cycle and waste management strategies organized with Orano, a training centre on research reactors, a course developed jointly with EDF on nuclear programme management and training on molten-salt advanced modular reactors. Since 2020, France has also provided support to the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, which provides scholarships to women students in nuclear-related master’s programmes around the world. Since 2018, France has been hosting an IAEA training course on nuclear programme financing. In 2019, France hosted more than 40 IAEA scientific visits and study trips.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France organised training courses through IAEA, in particular a school on research reactors in November 2024. It organised seven workshops and training sessions between 2023 and 2025, including an International workshop on instrumentation and control and computer security for small modular reactors (Paris), the IAEA School on Nuclear and Radiological Leadership for Safety (Nice), the Workshop on the safety of experiments for research reactor (Aix-en-Provence), training on international reporting systems for national coordinators in Paris in 2023, a Joint IAEA-University of Paris-Saclay workshop on the safe analysis of heritage objects and materials using novel accelerator-based analytical techniques (Paris), a Regional workshop on conducting computer security exercises for nuclear security (Paris) and a Technical workshop on accelerator technology and associated instrumentation, including operation and maintenance aspects (Gif-sur-Yvette).

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11. 5 March 2025. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf#:~:text=France%20is%20one%20of%20the,Technical%20Cooperation%20Fund%20in%202025.

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    The following agreements have been adopted to place relevant French installations under safeguards, according to the specificies of nuclear-weapon states:

    • Voluntary Offer Agreement (VOA) between France, Euratom and the IAEA of July 27, 1978 (INFCIRC/290) in force since 12 September 1981
    • Additional Protocol (AP) of 22 September 1998 (INFCIRC/290/Add.1) in force since 30 April 2004
    • Safeguards Agreement for the Caribbean French territories of 21 March 2000 (INFCIRC/718) in force since 26 October 2007, together with the modifications on the Small Quantities Protocol of 17 September 2017, in force since 25 February 2019.

    From 2013 to 2022, between 15 and 23 IAEA inspections were conducted annually on 17 eligible installations.

    As per EURATOM agreements, financial and personnel costs linked to inspections are covered by EURATOM members.

    Regarding nuclear security and safety, a national action plan, published in December 2012 by the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection was peer reviewed at European level. The closing report for this plan, published in 2020 by the Authority, presented the measures defined by EDF in response to the peer review recommendations and the Authority’s requirements, which aim at improving protection against natural hazards and the loss of safety systems, as well as improving the management of a serious accident through the deployment of resources, such as the EDF nuclear rapid response team or the commissioning of an emergency power generator at each of the 56 nuclear reactors then in service.

    Since 1985, France has also hosted 36 Operational Safety Review Team missions dedicated to the safe operation of nuclear power plants, and as many follow-up missions.

    France contributes to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2023 and 2024, the IAEA and the French government indicated that 10 inspections had taken place in France. Discussions are ongoing with the IAEA on the possibility of placing additional French civilian nuclear facilities to IAEA inspections.

    Regarding nuclear security and safety, in the framework of the second thematic peer review on the safety of nuclear installations in the European Union, as provided for in Directive 2014/87/EURATOM of the Council of the European Union, France submitted its national self-assessment report on the topic of fire, coordinated by the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, in 2023, and took part in the assessment of other member States’ reports.

    Since 2024, IRSN, now the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, has been designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre in the field of the safe use of ionizing radiation in medicine for diagnostic and treatment applications to contribute to the fight against cancer. Since 2021, the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection has also been an IAEA capacity-building centre on radiological crisis management including, since 2024, with assistance from the IAEA technical crisis centre for crisis management preparedness and response.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France and the European Union have supported politically, financially and technically the establishment, under the aegis of IAEA, of a low enriched uranium bank in Kazakhstan, to provide guaranteed access to nuclear fuel for States unable to obtain it on the regular competitive market. Orano supplied some of the low enriched uranium stored in the bank.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    As the international Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) bank is operational in Kazakhstan, no new elements have been implemented for this action.

    Sources

    The EU co-funded Low Enriched Uranium Bank becomes operational at a purpose-built facility in Kazakhstan, European Union External Action Service, 17 October 2019, Vienna, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-co-funded-low-enriched-uranium-bank-becomes-operational-purpose-built-facility-kazakhstan_en

    Joint Statement by the Leaders of Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Norway, People's Republic of China, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, UAE, UK and USA on the Low Enriched Uranium Bank in Kazakhstan, Nuclear Security Summit, Washington DC, 5 April 2016, https://www.nss2016.org/document-center-docs/2016/4/1/joint-statement-on-leu-fuel-bank

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France is a party to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (1995), the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (1989), the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (1989), the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (2000), the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2013), the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (1991), and has approved its amendment in 2013.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France had already ratified or approved all these conventions, but has continued outreach in favour of their universalisation.

    Sources

    Treaties under IAEA Auspices, Status Lists, https://www.iaea.org/resources/treaties/treaties-under-IAEA-auspices

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    In 2022, France participated in the Working Group on Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, helping to improve the Convention’s peer review processes. At the European level, the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection is active within the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association, established in 1999. The Association aims to develop a common approach to nuclear safety and the regulation thereof, particularly within the European Union. The Association’s key products, the “safety reference levels” documents, promote the harmonization of safety approaches in relation to nuclear power reactors, research reactors, radioactive waste and decommissioning. The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection is part of the European Technical Safety Organisations Network.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    In 2023, France participated in the Working Group on Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, helping to improve the Convention’s peer review processes. The French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection has remained active during the current Review Cycle to promote the sharing of best practices with industry actors in France but also internationally.

    Sources

    National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

    ASNR Website, https://www.asnr.fr/actualites

    ASNR Resources, https://www.asnr.fr/information/contenus-pedagogiques

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    French operators (CEA, Framatome) are part of the Heracles EU-funded consortium to develop alternative technologies to highly-enriched uranium. The consortium developed in particular H2020 project such as the Heracles-CP (development on sound scientific understanding of the irradiation behaviour of UMo and advancing production techniques for dispersion fuel) from 2015 to 2019, LEU FOREvER (advancing production technology for dispersion and monolithic fuels and paving the way for high density U3Si2 fuels) from 2017 to 2021 and the EU-Qualify (research on medical isotopes) from 2020 to 2026.

    Framatome has started cooperation with the Technical University of Munich in 2019 for the conversion of the FRM II reactor to low enriched uranium.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    French operators (CEA, Framatome, Institut Max Von Laue, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble) have completed the EU-funded project EU-Qualify from 2020 to 2026. In 2024, the US NNSA and Kyoto University (Japan) announced that the French company Framatome CERCA had taken part in converting the Kyoto University Critical Assembly’s “Core C” to use HALEU fuel instead of highly enriched uranium.

    During the current Review Cycle, the conversion of the FRM II reactor in Germany has moved forward with the support of the EU-CONVERSION programme (adopted in February 2025) and the cooperation of Framatome, Institut Laue-Langevin, the CEA and the Université Grenoble Alpes.

    Sources

    Converting the Kyoto University Critical Assembly’s “Core C” to use HALEU fuel marks over a decade of U.S.-Japan collaboration, NNSA, 19 November 2024, https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/nnsa-converts-its-110th-research-reactor-following-decade-long-effort-japan

    Website of the Heracles Consortium, https://heracles-consortium.eu/horizon2020.php

    Supplying the European Research Reactors with Safe Low-Enriched Uranium Fuels for Their Conversion and Long-Term Operation to Secure the Supply of Medical Radioisotopes, CORDIS, 2024, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101163752/fr

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France is a member of the IAEA Transport Safety Standards Committee (TRANSSC). The French regulator (ASN) is a founding member of the European Association of Competent Authorities (EACA), a club created in 2008 for regulators of the transport of radioative material which currently comprises 22 members. In addition, the National agency for the management of radioactive waste (ANDRA) has a number of cooperative projects with third countries, including commercial activities and multilateral assistance on radiaactive waste management and transportation.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France continues to take part in the TRANSSC and the EACA. In 2024, France submitted a report on Significant transport events reported to the ASN1 over the 2021-2024 period. France experts and officials took an active part to the International Conference on the Safe and Secure Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material that took place in March 2026.

    Sources

    The safety of transport of radioactive materials, Contrôle, Autorité de sûreté nucléaire, n°193, March 2012, https://regulation-oversight.asnr.fr/content/download/54133/file/CONTROLE-193-TRM-english-version.pdf

    Significant transport events reported to the ASN1 over the 2021-2024 period, Report n° CODEP-DTS-2025-07490, ASNR, 2024, https://www.euraca.eu/media/dfvjaoqd/eventanalysisreport-france-2021-2024.pdf

    International Cooperation, ANDRA, https://international.andra.fr/about-andra/international-cooperation

    International Conference on the Safe and Secure Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material 23 – 27 March 2026 PROGRAMME Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) IAEA Headquarters Vienna, https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/transport-conference-programme-rev.10-27.03.2026.pdf

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    France has ratified the Convention on Civil Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy (Paris Convention) as well as the Supplementary Convention to the Paris Convention on Civil Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy (Brussels Supplementary Convention). Their provisions are incorporated into domestic law by Law No. 68-943 of 30 October 1968, on civil liability in the field of nuclear energy, as amended by Law No. 90-488 of 16 June 1990, and codified by Order No. 2012-6 of 5 January 2012, amending Books I and V of the Environmental Code.

    On 30 July 2014, France ratified the joint protocol for the application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention.

    On 13 and 28 August 2013, France and the United States signed a joint declaration on civil liability for nuclear damage. This declaration affirms the two countries’ commitment to contributing to the establishment of a global nuclear civil liability regime that ensures fair compensation for victims of nuclear accidents, as recommended by the IAEA. The declaration encourages states to accede to such a regime. France considers, in particular, that the revised Paris (and Brussels, Additional) and Vienna Conventions, as well as the Common Protocol on the Application of the Paris and Vienna Conventions, constitute an appropriate basis for compensation for nuclear damage.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    France has continued to promote its current policy regarding the civil nuclear liability regime.

    Sources

    Conventions sur la responsabilité civile, Permanent Mission of France to the UN Organisations in Vienna, https://onu-vienne.delegfrance.org/Conventions-sur-la-responsabilite-civile

  • What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

    On 9 March 2022, the European Union recalled the IAEA 2009’s decision and the IAEA General Conference Resolution GC(43)/533 which recognises that an armed attack or a threat of armed attack on a safeguarded nuclear facility, in operation or under construction, would create a situation in which the UN Security Council would have to act immediately in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter. In this statement and other declarations, France has endorsed IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s Seven Indispensable Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Security,’ which includes the principle that ‘the physical integrity of the nuclear facilities, whether it is reactors, fuel ponds, or radioactive waste stores, must be maintained’.

    What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

    On 22 September 2022, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Canada, Korea, Switzerland, the United States and European Union delivered a joint statement which notes the 2009 IAEA General Conference unanimous decision GC(53)/DEC/13 entitled “ Prohibition of armed attack or threat of attack against nuclear installations, during operation or under construction” which recognised the importance attached to safety, security and physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes as well as IAEA General Conference resolutions GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533 regarding armed attacks or threats against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes.
    In 2024, it condemned Russia’s illegal occupation of and strikes on the Zaporizhzhia power plant, described as a flagrant violation of the IAEA’s seven pillars.

    In addition, the French government indicates that it contributed 3.8 million euros in extrabudgetary funds to the IAEA specifically to support nuclear safety and security at Ukrainian nuclear facilities since the beginning of the war.

    With regards to the military strikes against Iran in 2025 and 2026, France did not refer to the IAEA’s decision, but mentioned that ‘it did not participate in, nor support the strikes against the Iranian nuclear programme, emphasizing instead the urgent need for diplomatic engagement as the only option capable of ensuring a lasting response to the Iranian nuclear issue.’

    Sources

    EU Statement on safety, security and safeguards implications of the situation in Ukraine as delivered at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on 9 March 2022, European Union External Action Service, 9 March 2022, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-statement-safety-security-and-safeguards-implications-situation-ukraine-delivered-international_en

    Joint statement on the safety and security of civil nuclear facilities in armed conflicts, 21 September 2022, Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, 22 September 2022, https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2022/09/joint-statement-on-the-safety-and-security-of-civil-nuclear-facilities-in-armed-conflicts-21-september-2022/

    Statement of the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group on a Nuclear Safety and Security Framework for Ukraine (15 Mar. 2022), France Diplomacy, 15 March 2022, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/news/2022/article/statement-of-the-g7-non-proliferation-directors-group-on-a-nuclear-safety-and

    France call on Russia to abide by the resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors, Permanent mission of France to the United Nations in New York, 15 April 2024, https://onu.delegfrance.org/russia-once-again-france-call-on-russia-to-abide-by-the-resolutions-of-the-iaea

    Iran must comply with its non-proliferation obligations, Permanent mission of France to the United Nations in New York, 19 September 2025, https://onu.delegfrance.org/iran-must-comply-with-its-non-proliferation-obligations

    Working paper submitted by France. France’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.11. 5 March 2025. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n25/060/12/pdf/n2506012.pdf#:~:text=France%20is%20one%20of%20the,Technical%20Cooperation%20Fund%20in%202025.