North Korea has strongly criticized a recent joint statement issued following a summit between South Korea and the European Union. The North Korean statement accused South Korean President Lee Jae-myung of abandoning a “mask of peace” and adopting a hostile policy. Pyongyang reiterated its unwavering principle of antagonism towards South Korea, framing the joint statement as evidence of escalating tensions. The criticism centers on the statement’s condemnation of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and its call for denuclearization. North Korea views the South Korea-EU alignment as a provocative act and a threat to its security. This response signals a continued hardline stance from Pyongyang and dims prospects for near-term dialogue or improved relations. The statement was reported by Yonhap News Agency.