Joint Statement of Members of the European Parliament supporting the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons We, members of the European Parliament, express concern at the dangers posed by the 16,300 nuclear weapons maintained by the nuclear weapons possessors, and by the threat of further proliferation of nuclear weapons. We highlight the risk that these weapons could be used by accident, miscalculation or intent – especially in times of heightened conflict. We note that any use of nuclear weapons by a State or non-State actor would cause catastrophic consequences to human health, society and the environment, and would violate international humanitarian law We therefore welcome the decision of the United Nations to establish September 26 as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. We support the aim of the day to enhance public awareness and education about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination. We urge the EU Council to discuss and adopt a sound Common Position well ahead of the 2015 nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty Review conference which aims to initiate complete nuclear disarmament. And we encourage parliaments and parliamentarians around the world to join with civil society, the United Nations and governments to observe this day annually and to act for the achievement of a nuclear-weapon-free world. Initiated by: Tarja Cronberg - Finland Jarosław Wałęsa MEP - Poland PNND Co-President Group of the European People's Party Former MEP and Chair of the Co-Chair, PNND EP Section PNND European Parliament (EP) Section Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP - Belgium Ana Gomes MEP - Portugal Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Group of the Progressive Alliance Democrats for Europe of Socialists and Democrats Deputy-Chair PNND EP Section Deputy-Chair PNND EP Section Sabine Lösing MEP - Germany Michèle Rivasi MEP - France Confederal Group of the European Vice-President of the Greens-EFA Group United Left - Nordic Green Left Bodil Ceballos MEP – Sweden Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance Endorsed by: José Bové MEP – France Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance Kathleen van Brempt MEP - Belgium Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Fabio Massimo Castaldo MEP – Italy Movimento 5 Stelle, Europe of freedom and direct democracy Group Karima Delli MEP – France Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance Jill Evans MEP – United Kingdom Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance Luke Ming Flanagan MEP – Ireland Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left Thomas Händel MEP – Germany Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left Marian Harkin MEP – Ireland Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Benedek Jávor MEP – Hungary Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance Fabio de Masi MEP – Germany Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left Norbert Neuser MEP – Germany Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Piernicola Pedicini MEP - Italy Movimento Cinque Stelle, Europe of freedom and direct democracy Group Marijana Petir MEP – Croatia Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) Georgi Pirinski MEP – Bulgaria Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Molly Scott-Cato MEP – United Kingdom Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance Bart Staes MEP – Belgium Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance .