Colleagues,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and EU Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, as well as Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

This year, we mark the 80^th anniversary of the United Nations – the cornerstone of the rules-based multilateral system, providing an irreplaceable forum for equal participation in decision-making for all Member States, and allowing us to address today’s existential challenges and opportunities facing Humanity, together. 

International law, including the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and international human rights law must remain our collective compass, and therefore, our highest priority moving forward should be to ensure that violations are not met with impunity.

The devastating impact of these violations is evident across regions and countries, from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to the Middle East, from Afghanistan to Myanmar and from DRC, Sudan, the Sahel and the Horn of Africa to Haiti.

Today, almost three years since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the European Union reiterates its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirms its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

This war of aggression has had global consequences on food and energy security, disproportionally affecting those in the most vulnerable situations. Now more than ever, we must oppose a world where might makes right.

Mr President,

It is our duty towards the victims and survivors of the most horrific crimes to make sure that justice is served and that all perpetrators are held accountable - wherever these crimes have been committed. Our commitment to accountability might also be our best hope to prevent such crimes in the future.

The international criminal justice system, in particular the International Criminal Court, is of paramount importance to ensure accountability for atrocity crimes and for delivering justice for victims. The ICC should be able to independently carry out its mandate to fight impunity.

Mr President,

We welcome the fact that the concept note for this meeting points out new security threats, including emanating those related to climate change and cyber security. We have to tackle these issues together. The UN remains our compass, but as any institution, it must evolve with the times rather than keep reflecting the world of the past.

In spite of all ongoing divisions and crises, there are signs of hope that effective multilateralism is possible. The adoption of the Pact for the Future and the long, thorny, but ultimately constructive process leading to its adoption, demonstrated that we can work together and achieve results. It shows that even under difficult circumstances, UN members can agree on a broad set of actions, including sustainable development, international financial architecture reform, digital cooperation, youth and future generations, peacebuilding, human rights and, for the first time, concrete commitments towards UN Security Council reform.  

We need to revitalise the UN by implementing our commitments in the Pact for the Future.

The EU supports comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more effective, inclusive, transparent, democratic, and accountable, to better reflect today’s realities by strengthening the voice of underrepresented regions, especially Africa. The world needs a Security Council capable of fulfilling its mandate and delivering, including by full adherence Article 27(3) of the UN Charter, constraining veto use by obliging a party to a dispute to abstain from voting.

The current political momentum around reform, notably of the International Financial Architecture, must be translated into concrete deliverables. We look forward to working constructively together towards the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville later this year. We are ready to engage with our partners on issues related to financing of the SDGs, implement effectively the EU’s Global Gateway flagship sustainable development initiative, encouraging resource mobilisation and promoting sustainable financing for environmentally responsible and socially inclusive development plans.

This year also provides additional opportunities to further improve the multilateral system:

The peace-building architecture review, the review of peace operations, the 25^th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, the 20^th anniversary of the Responsibility to Protect, as well of the 10^th anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda provide a chance to tackle challenges to peace and security in an inclusive and comprehensive manner.

Colleagues, we are acutely aware that efficient functioning cannot be ensured without proper financing. The EU and its Member States are, collectively, the largest and most reliable financial contributors to the UN system, contributing over 22% to the regular UN budget, 21% to Peacekeeping Operations, and providing more than 33% of voluntary contributions. Together with our Member States, the EU collectively provides 41% of global ODA, by far the largest contributors and partners around the world. We listen to the needs around the world, and we are committed to delivering. But we cannot do it alone.

Dear Colleagues,

80 years ago, the principles and purposes of the UN were enshrined in the Charter.

80 years later, we can say that despite its imperfections, the UN remains the greatest global endeavour for preserving peace, upholding human rights, paving the way for development, and addressing existential crises such as climate change.

It is our daily responsibility to make this endeavour a reality.

Thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.