Reacting to Agence Europe’s announcement of the United States' withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a European Commission spokesperson said on Friday 25 July that the European Union “is sorry to hear of” this decision, which will take effect on 31 December 2026.
“The EU will continue to work closely with UNESCO to promote our values and achieve our common goals” he said.
The European Commission representative also emphasised the central role of the UN organisation in promoting peace, sustainable development, cultural diversity and freedom of expression, including in conflict situations.
The EU wants to be a “predictable, reliable and credible” partner in a rules-based multilateral system, with the United Nations “at its centre”, said the spokesman.
On Tuesday 22 July, the United States announced its withdrawal from the organisation, which it blames for its hostile stance towards Israel. On top of that, it is thought to be incompatible with their national interests. During his previous term in office, in 2017, US President Donald Trump had already taken the decision to withdraw his country from UNESCO. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)