"We have all the tools and resources at hand - from diplomacy to trade, development cooperation and crisis management. We set global rules and standards and act as a steadfast defender of multilateralism and democratic values. The combination of these assets makes us a leader in responding to global challenges and showing the way forward."

JOSEP BORRELL, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The European Union is a defender of rules-based effective multilateralism. We will continue to lead in upholding international norms and agreements that provide global public goods and protect future generations. The EU demonstrates leadership in pursuing an innovative agenda in areas in need of strengthened multilateral governance or where new challenges require collective action, taking advantage of the EU's normative capacity, autonomy and influence. The EU is also a global point of reference for those who want to preserve, reform, and expand multilateralism.

The 17 June 2019 Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on "EU action to strengthen rules-based multilateralism" stress the EU`s aim of effective multilateralism delivering results in tackling today's and tomorrow's challenges. Strengthening the multilateral system will be based on: (1) Upholding international norms and agreements; (2) Extending multilateralism to new global realities; (3) the EU and its Member States will support necessary reforms and modernisation of multilateral institutions.

The EU is strongly committed to the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The EU promotes peace, security and stability, and is among the strongest supporters of democracy, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. The EU is strongly supporting social and human development, including by giving priority to social protection, decent work, universal health coverage and access to education in its development cooperation and has made achievements with regard to gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls and addressing violence against girls and women. The EU supports climate change mitigation, environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The European Union is committed to working TOGETHER with its partners in order to tackle global challenges. This has always been the EU’s approach to international relations: putting international cooperation based on rules, peace and diplomacy at the centre. Multilateralism means working together with long-standing and new partners around the world to deliver on shared goals and ambitions, and on citizens' expectations.