On 1 August 2010,  the Convention on Cluster Munitions entered into force being ratified by 37 of the 107 signatory States. With this occasion, the European Union highlighted that universalisation and full implementation of the Treaties and Conventions in the multilateral system are at the heart of its actions in the area of non proliferation and disarmament.

The European Union is deeply concerned with the tremendous humanitarian, socio-economic and development challenges still posed by the use of cluster munitions. In supporting the overall goal of the Convention on Cluster Munition as it already did on its adoption, the Union has put specific emphasis on the thematic objectives of reducing the cluster munitions threat, alleviating victim suffering, providing socio-economic reintegration, and enhancing local and regional capacities.

The EU already includes Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) activities as a part of European mine clearance action, risk education and victim assistance.

As the Convention on Cluster Munitions emphasizes the victim assistance measures, the EU reaffirms its commitment to strengthening care, rehabilitation and social and economic reintegration of explosion victims, and supports the view that such assistance should be integrated in broader public health and socio-economic strategies.

At the date of the Convention's entry into force, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, stressed that continued efforts are needed in order to increase the number of ratifications, a commitment that the European Union will support in its action.