Brussels - European Union leaders were set to call for a rapid implementation of United Nations sanctions on North Korea on Friday following its nuclear and missile tests, according to a statement prepared for a summit in Brussels.

The heads of the 27 EU member states "insist on a swift and efficient implementation of all the measures" agreed by the UN to punish Pyongyang for its nuclear test, the statement, drawn up for approval by national leaders, said.

EU leaders also urge member states to bring in national measures "in a robust way and without delay" to reinforce the UN sanctions, the draft said.

On June 12 the UN Security Council unanimously approved strengthened sanctions on North Korea, banning a wide range of financial deals with the Communist state and allowing UN members to board and search vessels suspected of transporting weapons and goods used to make weapons.

The EU summit draft repeated the bloc's condemnation of North Korea's actions, calling them "a great threat to peace and stability in the Korean peninsula." (dpa)