At the UN Security Council session on EU-UN cooperation in New York on Tuesday 11 March, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stressed that, despite the deterioration in global security, “you can count on the EU as the UN’s most reliable, credible partner”.
In particular, Ms Kallas suggested to the press that the change in the geopolitical context – including the unpredictable position of the new US administration on the world stage – offered the EU the opportunity to “increase its geopolitical presence” and present itself as a trusted partner for other countries.
In her speech, the High Representative called for respect for international law, international humanitarian law and human rights in every context where they are at risk or actively violated, citing in particular the situation in Gaza, Sudan, the DRC, Myanmar, Haiti and Ukraine.
More broadly, she explained that the EU would continue to fight against “cross-cutting threats to global peace and security”, such as terrorism, information manipulation and foreign interference, and growing attacks on gender equality.
Finally, she stressed the need to reform the multilateral system. “Reform of the Security Council is a necessary condition for this body to fulfil its responsibility of ensuring the maintenance of international peace and security”, she insisted, calling for the UN to be “reinvigorated” to reflect the world of today while preserving its values and principles. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)