ABSTRACT
The role of the European Parliament (EP) in framing EU policies to address the proliferation of nuclear weapons is routinely ignored. This chapter examines the EP’s position in this issue area, specifically looking at whether and how the Lisbon Treaty has impacted upon the EP’s role. While the EP’s contribution to the EU’s emerging role in non-proliferation has been positive, its most original addition to Council policies consists in highlighting disarmament goals. Compared to more popular areas such as the promotion of human rights and democracy, the EP has kept a low profile. Despite the enhancements to its role introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, it is not (yet) able to put to use its traditional external tools, such as inter-parliamentary dialogues, in the service of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament goals.
