“In an increasingly complex and uncertain international environment, Sustained commitment, dialogue and confidence-building are essential“, said.
“Respect for international law and the United Nations Charter remains fundamental to addressing shared challenges. The European Union plays an important role in promoting these principles.”
Partner in peace and beyond
Khiari said the EU is a key partner across the full spectrum of the United Nations’ work, from international peace and security to human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action.
It expressed particular gratitude for the role of its member states as troop- and police-contributing countries, including in Lebanon and other difficult environments.
“At a time when advancing political solutions remains difficult in many contexts, The European Union’s support for the good offices, mediation and political engagement of the United Nations is particularly important.”he added.
Hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine
Khiari said the war in Ukraine “is a severe test for regional frameworks related to the international order” and that the Russian invasion of the country “has shaken the foundations of the European security architecture to its core.”
As the conflict enters its fifth year and the death toll continues to rise, he expressed hope that the temporary Orthodox Easter ceasefire will help pave the way for a more lasting truce.
“An immediate, total and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step towards a just, lasting and global peace.based on respect for international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” he stated.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, briefs the Security Council meeting on cooperation between the UN and the European Union.
EU support
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, noted that although the bloc’s member states represent only five percent of the world’s population, They provide 42 percent of Official Development Assistance. (ODA) and finance a quarter of the UN’s regular budget.
“We paid in full and on time,” he said. “But the EU has never considered our support for the United Nations solely in terms of how much we spend.”
The EU supports the UN “because It is the only international system that defends peace, represents the global collective interest and protects international law.”he explained.
“Today we are witnessing the most serious collapse of international law since the Second World War,” endangering peace and security. “That is why the EU’s support for the UN is now more vital than ever.”
International law collapses
Ms. Kallas said the breakdown of international law is evident in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the war in the Middle East, which she called the two most important global crises today.
“Russia is carrying out what is arguably among the most egregious violations of international law in the history of the United Nations. invading a sovereign country and turning its back on its obligations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council,” he said.
Meanwhile, “the war in the Middle East has caused immense instability and cost too many lives,” with knock-on effects felt around the world. People from Europe to Asia are suffering from rising energy prices, and farmers from Sudan to South America are facing fertilizer shortages.
“Russia is also supporting Iran with intelligence and drones. Prolonging the war benefits Russia through higher energy prices, depleted air defense arsenals and diverted attention,” he said.
new world order
These two crises “represent the clearest sign yet of an abandonment of the old rules, including the UN Charter,” he continued.
“A new world is now taking shape, characterized by competition and coercive power politics.; a world order dominated by a handful of military powers that seek to establish spheres of influence.”
He reminded the Council that “we have been here before,” highlighting how the international community chose multilateralism over multipolarity after the First and Second World Wars.
He stressed that “Europe will always prefer cooperation over coercion.”
Responsibility to reform
Ms. Kallas said that in 100 years, “historians will look back at this moment and ask: What did the United Nations do when the rules-based order was threatened?
“Did we cling to the past, defending a system that no longer worked for the majority? Or did we have the courage to reform it, to make it stronger, fairer and more resilient?”
He insisted that “the answer is in our hands” and concluded with a message to the members of the Council.
“You have been entrusted with the responsibility of saving future generations from the scourge of war. That was the promise of 1945 and it must be our mission today.“, said.
“Let us be the generation that built an order that is stronger, more just and fit for future challenges. Now is the time to act.”