Bloc says United Nations must remain at the centre of efforts to uphold international law, resolve conflicts and tackle global challenges
By Heapnews
The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to a strengthened multilateral system centred on the United Nations, warning that growing geopolitical tensions and violations of international law have made international cooperation increasingly important.
In a statement, the EU said a rules-based international order was essential to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, ensuring accountability and promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The bloc said the United Nations remained indispensable in maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development and human rights, and addressing challenges that countries could not tackle alone.
The EU said it would continue to support the implementation of the Pact for the Future, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, while working with countries and regional organisations to build broader alliances and advance solutions to global challenges.
It also called for reforms to make the multilateral system more effective, inclusive, representative and responsive, backing the ongoing United Nations reform process, including the UN80 initiative.
The bloc stressed the need for adequate and predictable financing for the United Nations, noting that member states had a legal obligation under the UN Charter to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time.
The EU also reiterated its support for an independent and effective UN human rights system and called for the protection of international institutions responsible for upholding international law and ensuring accountability for violations.
It highlighted the roles of the International Court of Justice in peacefully resolving disputes and the International Criminal Court in prosecuting the world’s most serious crimes, saying both institutions must be allowed to operate independently and free from pressure or interference.
The statement also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and urged all countries to respect its principles and rules.
The EU said dialogue, trust and collective action were critical to preventing conflicts, reducing poverty and inequality, tackling climate change and strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
It added that it was prepared to work with partners across regions and with the next UN secretary-general to rebuild trust, accelerate reforms and strengthen the multilateral system.
“A world with dynamic multilateral institutions and effective, reinforced multilateralism is a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable world,” the EU said.