S/PV.9268 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Borrell Fontelles. Mr. Borrell Fontelles: This is my third briefing to the Council as European Union (EU) High Representative, but it is the first time I am able to join Council members in person. Every time I have participated, I have warned in my briefings about a deficit in multilateralism. I have described how a rise in power politics has led to more distrust, more point scoring and more vetoes, including here at the Security Council — more vetoes and fewer agreements. I have also described how the price was being paid in terms of problems not solved, conflicts that fester and people left at the mercy of events. I fear the situation this year is even worse and will become worse. The United Nations and the multilateral system are under threat as they have never been before. Earlier this month, the Secretary-General sounded the alarm bell, and he was right in doing so. The Secretary- General warned that time is running out for the world to avoid meltdown. He called on everyone to act decisively before it is too late. Indeed, we are facing a global emergency. We see a proliferation of conflicts, the climate crisis, systematic attacks on democracy and human rights, and ever deeper global inequalities. The problems are mounting, and our collective capacity to find solutions is declining. If problems are mounting and the capacity to solve them is decreasing, we certainly face a bigger crisis, which we cannot afford. The proposal of the Secretary-General in Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) has the potential to deliver the reforms that the world needs at the Summit of the Future. But that will happen only if all of us invest in revitalizing the multilateral system. It will not just happen by itself, as we sit in our positions and expect others to do the job, nor will it happen if countries stick to narrow, nationalist agendas. The EU is trying to do its part. We do our part. We have always been a strong supporter, investing in the United Nations, both politically and financially. Allow me to say that the European Union and its member States are the largest collective contributor to the United Nations budget. We have always backed the three pillars of the United Nations  — peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. What a beautiful set of words: peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. We know that each one depends on the other two for success. They are not isolated objectives. They are extraordinarily interlinked. Peace and security are preconditions for sustainable development but without sustainable development, we will not have peace and security, and without both of them, we will not have human rights. That is why we need to address all security threats, new and old, with a holistic approach. But equally, that is why we must counter the worsening human rights situation we see in many countries. We remain committed to all human rights  — individual and collective, and civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights — especially this year. As Council members know, this year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Universal means that human rights do not belong to any specific culture. They are universal. It is also a good moment to recall that human rights are not only universal but also indivisible, and that they apply to everyone and everywhere. In the same vein, I think that we need to renew our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development precisely because we see increasing global inequalities. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) summit later this year will be a crucial moment to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. As a sign of its commitment, in July, the European Union will submit its voluntary review on the SDGs at the high-level political forum on sustainable development. That will be an opportunity to share our efforts to support the achievement of the SDGs at home and around the world with the broader United Nations membership and to point to the challenges, as we see them. Let me summarize how we see them. First, there has been a year of war against Ukraine in addition to the global consequences. As I said yesterday before the General Assembly (see A/ES-11/PV.17), this war was and remains a clear case of aggression, in breach of the Charter of the United Nations. It is not a European issue. It is not about the West versus Russia. It is about the kind of world in which we want to live. That is not a world where no one is safe and where the illegal use of force is somehow normalized. That is why international law must be enforced everywhere to protect everyone from power politics, blackmail and military attacks. In a sentence, we need to ensure that aggression fails, and that international law prevails. Many people are clearly asking about peace, but the real questions are: what kind of peace are we talking about, and how do we achieve it? We need peace, and the Ukrainian people deserve peace, but not just any peace. We need a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, in line with the Charter of the United Nations. The first obvious step to peace is for the aggressor to stop its attacks and withdraw its forces from Ukraine. Until then, the European Union will continue to give Ukraine all the support that it needs to defend its population, and we will do so for as long as it takes. The two tracks — supporting Ukraine and seeking peace  — go hand in hand. It is not either/or; it is both things. We count on the entire United Nations membership to show its support for those principles in Ukraine and elsewhere. It is a moment for countries to take a stand and to be counted. Meanwhile, the European Union will continue to help the rest of the world to cope with the fallout of Russia’s aggression. That is what we have been doing for a year now, and successfully. Food and energy prices are now declining, partly thanks to the “solidarity lanes”, which have enabled the export of 50 million tons of grain from Ukraine, and the vital Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the United Nations. Let me recall that the Black Sea Grain Initiative comes up for renewal in mid-March. It needs to be prolonged. It is the food for millions of people around the world that is at stake. Jointly with States members of the EU, we have increased our financial contributions to handle the fallout from the war. We have provided €18 billion to tackle food insecurity until 2024, and half of those resources will go to Africa and the Middle East. We know that it will not be enough, but we can perhaps say that there is strong support for those who are suffering the shock waves sent by that propagation of war affecting the entire world. It is the war and its consequences that are jeopardizing millions of people from the point of view of their livelihoods, facing energy and food prices that they cannot afford. Let us talk about climate. Climate is a test case for multilateralism, but it is also a security issue. Let us look beyond the war in Ukraine. Looking beyond the war in Ukraine, we see the climate crisis as a textbook example of where we need effective multilateral action. I am sorry to say that we are not getting it. We need it, but we are not getting it. We see unprecedented floods, droughts and heatwaves. Every scientific report concludes that time is running out and that we need far more ambitious climate action. That means accelerating the green transition, but, again, in a just way. The green transition has to be just, or it will not happen, because those least responsible for causing the problem are the ones that will be most affected by it. That is why we want to contribute to that just transition. We are the world’s largest contributor of public climate finance worldwide, with €23 billion a year. As I said, climate change is also a security issue. The climate and security nexus will increasingly dominate the global agenda. That also means that the Security Council will have to shoulder its responsibilities regarding that issue. Let me continue discussing peace and security beyond the war in Ukraine. Unhappily, it is not the only conflict in the world. Let me turn to the specifics of the cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations on peace and security. Indeed, all European Union crisis management operations work with the United Nations as their partner. We are proud of that. We are proud of being a strong a partner of the United Nations in any crisis management process. Our strategic partnership on peacekeeping and crisis management dates back at least two decades. A few weeks ago, we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of our first civilian mission, the European Union Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established 20 years ago. Twenty years later, the EU has 21 civilian or military missions deployed around the world, mobilizing more than 5,000 people working for peace and security. The most recent missions include not only our military assistance mission in support of Ukraine, clearly, but also a presence in Armenia and, more recently, a military partnership mission in the Niger. Let me stress that the mission in the Niger demonstrates our willingness to remain engaged in the Sahel. The European Union is not abandoning the Sahel. It is working with its partners to the extent that they want. The mission’s explicit partnership approach, built on the clear demands of the Niger’s authorities, is aimed at increasing its effectiveness in that area, one of those at greatest risk anywhere in the world. I will now turn to the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, which is contributing to the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo. While it was the United Nations that declared the embargo, it has to be implemented, not just declared. Someone has to ensure that is executed effectively on the ground. And IRINI is the toughest way to provide support for the arms embargo, through inspections on the high seas off the coast of Libya of vessels suspected of breaking the embargo. IRINI remains the only actor doing that. Let us talk about terrorism, how it affects African countries and how helping African countries in the fight against terrorism is another key priority for the European Union. We have several missions that provide military and civilian support to African countries, the latest example of which is the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique. Five of our civilian missions include a counter-terrorism mandate. As United Nations peacekeeping marks its seventy-fifth anniversary, we must use this opportunity to maximize the impact of United Nations operations. We support the Secretary-General’s call for a New Agenda for Peace. We are committed to continuing our support for African-led peace support operations and for the ongoing discussions on using United Nations assessed contributions for operations authorized by the Security Council. Regional organizations such as the African Union and the League of Arab States, together with the European Union, play a key role in preventing and addressing crises. I believe that we are well placed as a peace actor by virtue of our wider array of policies and instruments, combining mediation, prevention, diplomacy, security, trade, development cooperation and humanitarian tools. All of those together can enable us to engage throughout all phases of a conflict if it cannot be prevented. We are currently providing such support in 20 conflicts throughout the world. In 20 conflicts throughout the world, we are there, supporting civilians and trying to improve the situation. And we will reinforce our capacities to that end. This is therefore not just about Ukraine. We are paying attention to everything that matters in the world and maintaining our global engagement, because we know that while war has returned to Europe, it has not stopped elsewhere. I want to stress that the European Union will remain fully engaged in all crises around the world, financially and politically. I would now like to devote the final part of my briefing to addressing some specific cases and regional crises. I want to start with the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye, which have resulted in more than 40,000 victims and the destruction of hundreds of thousands of homes. We are providing assistance to both countries, in close cooperation with the United Nations. We immediately sent medical teams, and we will organize a donors’ conference next month to finance the reconstruction. At the same time, we were already sending people to fight the enormous wildfires in Chile. We are trying to ensure that assistance reaches people in need everywhere in northern Syria, whether they are in areas that are under the regime’s control or not, because human beings deserve assistance regardless of whether the regime controls the territory or not. In the wake of the earthquake, we decided to introduce an additional, albeit time-limited, humanitarian exemption to our sanctions regime in order to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach the Syrian population in need as quickly as possible. Let us not forget Afghanistan. Two years ago, Kabul fell, but Afghanistan is still there. Developments there have gone from bad to worse because of the Taliban’s action and inaction. The systematic gender apartheid in public life that the Afghan regime is imposing on Afghan women and girls, who account for half of the population, is totally unacceptable. We therefore cannot continue business as usual. But at the same time, we cannot punish Afghan women twice by halting assistance where it can still be delivered. Can we first watch the Taliban punish them, after which we punish them once again by cutting assistance? No. If assistance can be delivered with full respect for key principles and values, we will continue to do it. I thank the United Nations for its high-level engagement and coordination on the ground, including with the European Union. With regard to the situation in the Sahel, I want to approach it from a security perspective. Let me say a few words in French, as I know how important the issue is for France. (spoke in French) In the Sahel, the security situation continues to deteriorate in an increasingly complex political context. But there too our commitment remains steadfast, because we know that when we act, we are doing so in a way that addresses security needs as well as those on the governance and humanitarian fronts. We have adapted to the changing dynamics by responding cautiously and carefully where necessary  — in Mali and Burkina Faso — and by readjusting our bilateral response with partners who are more willing to work with us. In that regard, I already mentioned the Niger, and I would add Mauritania. (spoke in English) With regard to the Western Balkans, in Bosnia and Herzegovina I welcomed the unanimous decision to extend the executive mandate of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea) for an additional year. I am grateful for that decision, as it ensures that Althea can continue to support the authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all citizens, and I know how much the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina appreciate the mission. The EU candidate status provides a clear signal that the country’s future is in the European Union. I met with the political leadership last week and addressed the need to deliver on the necessary reforms in order to make faster progress on that path, which is the best way to ensure peace, stability, democracy, freedom and progress for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am working on the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue as its coordinator, with the help of the United Nations. With regard to the normalization of relations, we are at a crucial juncture, and I hope that in the next few weeks I will be able to announce positive results. The European Union has presented a proposal to the parties that would put the normalization process on a solid, forward-looking track. On Monday I will be hosting a high-level meeting with the Belgrade and Pristina leadership, the President of Serbia and the Prime Minister of Kosovo, in order to see if the engagement is serious and solid and presents a clear path to the normalization of relations between the two countries. There are many more countries and crises that I could mention, but let me leave it there. I have been talking for too long. On behalf of the European Union, I thank the Council for giving me this opportunity to explain to the world that beyond the Ukraine war, we remain committed to many crises. We and many people around the world are doing our best to improve the peace and security situation. I look forward to the comments of the Ambassadors here today, and I thank everyone for their continued cooperation.

I thank Mr. Borrell Fontelles for his briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta. I would like to begin by welcoming Mr. Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to the Security Council today and thanking him for his briefing. As a committed supporter of multilateralism, Malta attaches great value to strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. They are an integral part of the multilateral system and can make a significant contribution through their unique knowledge of their region and its particular circumstances. As a proud member of the European Union (EU), it goes without saying that Malta strongly supports enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the EU. That cooperation has been paying dividends for a number of years, and we are firm in our belief that it will continue to yield tangible results in 2023 and the years to come. The principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the values of the European Union are fully aligned, and we believe that this complementarity makes the two organizations natural partners. The European experiment, born from the ashes of the Second World War, is an example of how multilateralism and regional integration bring peace, stability, prosperity and growth. The EU’s strategic relationship with the United Nations must continue to strengthen respect for the Charter and international law, including human rights, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. A robust and dynamic collaboration between the EU and the United Nations will help us contribute more effectively to peace and security and to addressing global challenges that require a global approach. To that end, Malta welcomes the invaluable contribution of the Secretary-General in presenting a comprehensive vision that outlines the necessary steps for renewing our multilateral approach. Together with the EU, Malta is fully committed to supporting and effectively contributing to the parallel processes that we have initiated through the Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) report. We truly believe that multilateral and constructive engagement on such initiatives has the potential to bring about the changes necessary for ensuring that the United Nations can continue to effectively address the most pressing global issues. We are living through challenging times. The EU and its member States have consistently underlined the need to work together towards a common goal — that of upholding the Charter and a rules-based order. We have been faced with the reality of our interdependence many times, and yet we have still been unable to come together to address global challenges, including climate. We continue to fail to recognize that a unilateral failure today will translate into collective ramifications for the many in years to come. In that regard, we have a responsibility to ensure that where possible, regional and international organizations can come together to provide that much-needed convergence and collaboration. Regional collaboration and cooperation are indispensable to the proper functioning of our interconnected and globalized world. Through active collaboration, we can make sure that the common good is upheld, safeguarded and pursued. The existing comprehensive United Nations-EU approach to crisis management, mediation and peace operations, including the support provided in various regions, has helped several countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. We also welcome the fruitful United Nations-EU trilateral cooperation with the African Union in tackling security challenges. For example, the EU ’s contribution to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia has enabled the Mission to effectively carry out its mandate. We reaffirm our support for thematic joint efforts that can help us to better address today’s challenges through the implementation of humanitarian principles, the agendas on women and peace and security and children in armed conflict, as well as access to quality education and climate-change frameworks. In conclusion, Malta’s commitment to peace, dialogue and multilateralism remains stronger than ever. We believe that strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the EU can only enhance our ability to prevent and resolve conflict and advance the broader goals and objectives of the Charter. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements. I call on the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania.

Let me start by thanking High Representative Borrell Fontelles for his in-depth perspective on the cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU). His personal and regular participation in the meetings on this topic testifies to the importance that is attached to this cooperation, which is indispensable to international peace and security and global socioeconomic development. In the face of the ongoing challenges in Europe and around the world, we need to further reinforce that cooperation in the service of a common agenda with the strengthening of multilateralism at its core. The two organizations have a particularly crucial role to play on a wide range of issues, such as maintaining peace and security, meeting global humanitarian and development needs, promoting and ensuring full respect for human rights and mitigating climate change, as well as respecting international law and strengthening accountability for serious violations of that law. Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine has brought war to Europe on a scale not seen since 1945. By helping Ukraine defend itself, the European Union and its member States are showing concretely what solidarity means. They are helping a sovereign nation to resist the brutality of an invasion whose sole aim is to wipe a country off the map and subjugate its people to satisfy the desire of an empire. Albania has joined the wide range of policy responses from the EU and its member States to the aggression, aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to finance the war on the one hand and helping the economy and functionality of Ukraine on the other. We support every form of cooperation between the United Nations and the EU regarding accountability for the crimes committed in the war. A comprehensive, lasting and just peace cannot be built on impunity, and the perpetrators should be held accountable for their crimes. The new threats and challenges to the European security architecture need a stronger and more consolidated Europe. The merit-based EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans should be speeded up and the progressive rapprochement made more flexible and creative. The more prosperous that region is and the closer it gets to Europe, the more secure the continent will be. From a broader point of view, the European Neighbourhood Policy needs upgrading. The EU and United Nations should increase their cooperation in regional conflict resolution, beyond the support for dialogue and mediation. We commend the cooperation between the EU and the United Nations in Africa. The European Union’s strategic partnership initiatives with the United Nations in Africa, such as the EU- United Nations Global Terrorism Threats Facility and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, have created important synergies between the two organizations. To end on a specific note, my country is not yet a member of the European Union. It is only a candidate engaged in negotiations to join the Union in future. We want to do so because it is a place where we belong in every way — because we voluntarily align with its policies, we adhere to and share its values, and we want to be part of the security and prosperity it has built and expanded. The European Union is today by far the most brilliant project human history has ever known. Whoever has any knowledge of history knows the dramatic European heritage — made of conflicts, wars, territorial changes of all kinds, of immense and uninterrupted suffering. Out of this, the European Union has proved convincingly and irrefutably that it is the most efficient investment in prevention — yes, prevention, which is the weakest point of international cooperation. If we were looking for any concrete materialization or true meaning of the word “prevention”, it is the united Europe. A long-term vision, clear determination and strong leadership made former belligerents come together, former enemies agree and build their future in cooperation and shared benefits, in freedom and with rules, not to the detriment of some, but to the benefit of all. This is what the EU can offer to the United Nations and the world: a way to build the future based on the rights of individuals who come together in collective efforts through the rule of law to enjoy the dividends of democracy. This is why any claims whatsoever that Europe has fomented or wants war in its vicinity, endangering itself and the entire continent, are ridiculous, preposterous and absurd. Europe and those who align with it want peace, work for peace and project peace. Nothing will change the hard truth. Russia has started the war. Russia may and will end it.

I thank Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for his briefing and the highlights he gave on the security concerns of the European Union (EU) as well as the strategic and policy approaches the EU is pursuing in response to existing and other emerging threats. The cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union has always been an important and reinforcing factor for our shared aspirations for global peace and security. The partnership, framed by Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, affirms the agency of regional bodies in the maintenance of international peace and security. As the continent of Europe faces the worst security and geopolitical crises in recent times, it is important that the channels of cooperation are strengthened to help overcome prevailing challenges. Since the Security Council’s last consideration of this agenda item eight months ago (see S/PV.9065), the security situation in Europe and across the world has rapidly deteriorated, with many conflict situations showing signs of possible escalation. The year-long aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation has spurred new crises and aggravated many others. Apart from the humanitarian burden on neighbouring countries where millions of Ukrainians have sought refuge from the war, the energy crises and elevated high costs of living threaten social and political stability in many parts of Europe. The measures being implemented to protect the European economy from high gas prices and disruptions to energy supplies in the region would help to alleviate the burden of the war. We encourage the continued support of the European Union in addressing the humanitarian aspects of the war. Since the onset of the war, the European Union has taken a strong and principled position against the Russian Federation’s aggressive acts towards Ukraine and has been supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the war raises serious considerations for Europe about the collective-security mechanisms and how they may be strengthened for all. We encourage closer cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union towards the immediate de-escalation of tensions and cessation of hostilities. We encourage the EU as a regional force and key actor of the collective security of Europe to foster, through dialogue, the peaceful and comprehensive resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. We stress that, of necessity, peace in Ukraine must be founded on international law and the Charter of the United Nations. As the war in Ukraine takes centre stage in international affairs, it is vital not to lose sight of other smouldering situations. We wish in this regard to highlight the following, First, averting a renewed war between Armenia and Azerbaijan is critical to avoid the bloodshed and destruction that accompanied the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and the intermittent border clashes between the two countries. We consider the establishment of a civilian European Union mission in Armenia as an important contribution to stability and building trust between the two sides, and we welcome the EU’s commitment to supporting de-escalation and the acceleration of key actions, including border demarcation and normalization efforts. In respect of the Cyprus problem, we remain concerned by the current political stalemate. We urge the EU to continue its support for a comprehensive settlement of the dispute on the basis of the Security Council’s resolutions. Our combined efforts must, at present, be geared towards building confidence to open up channels of cooperation between the two Cypriot communities and pave the way for much-needed political dialogue. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the joint efforts of the United Nations and the EU through the Security Council’s renewal of the mandate for the European Union military operation in the country has been an important contributor to maintaining a safe and secure environment. While progress towards EU integration has been slow, it remains important as a strategic approach in ensuring lasting peace in the country and within the Eurasia region. The support of the European Union in strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture remains a critical contribution to maintaining long-term peace and security on the continent as well as globally. We welcome ongoing capacity-building and technical assistance missions that are helping to adapt responses to the changing security landscape in Africa. In this regard, we call for enhanced support for regionally led peace and security initiatives through the provision of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding, including the use of assessed contributions of the United Nations. In Somalia, for instance, the European Union’s continuous support for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the effective implementation of the Somalia Transition Plan remains crucial, even as we note the funding shortfall for ATMIS. We recognize the European Union’s contribution to humanitarian needs arising in other areas of conflict, particularly in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Syria and Yemen. We also welcome the EU’s mobilizations in aid of communities affected by the recent earthquakes that struck parts of Syria and Türkiye earlier this month. In conclusion, let me take the opportunity of today’s meeting to reiterate the importance of regional and subregional organizations for collective security beyond their regional space. While the war in Ukraine is taking place on the continent of Europe, the stalemate it has created in the Security Council is complicating our efforts in Africa to defeat terrorists and violent extremists and achieve the Africa we want. It is equally not lost on people all over the world that the ramifications of the war in Europe continue to poison relations among States, undermining our ability as the United Nations to address the multiple sustainable development crises we face and respond to the aspirations of our people everywhere The European Union has shown deep commitment to and leadership in deepening cooperation at all levels for the achievement of global goals, including international peace and security. We encourage the European Union to strive to do more and urge the United Nations to look at further strengthening the cooperation of the EU as we work towards restoring the unity of purpose and effectiveness of the United Nations.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Minister Borg, for presiding over this important meeting. I would also like to thank High Representative Borrell Fontelles for joining us today. Almost 25 years ago, hundreds of Emirati troops were deployed to Kosovo to support stabilization efforts there. That initiative complemented the role of the United Nations, the European Union (EU) and other international partners in ensuring post-conflict recovery in the Balkans. That deployment illustrates something that I want to stress today: the United Arab Emirates and the European Union may not be direct neighbours, but we have many neighbours in common and our mutual challenges must be addressed collectively. That idea could not be more relevant today. The relationship between the EU and the United Nations is based on a common commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law and support for the most vulnerable. Today I would like to address some of the global challenges where cooperation exists and where it could deepen. Those include scaling up climate ambition, countering extremism, empowering women and girls, addressing the risks of nuclear proliferation and promoting peaceful and inclusive solutions to crises around the world. In a world marked by growing fragmentation, the EU’s emphasis on connectivity, the establishment of strong global trade partnerships, digital transformation and standard-setting to promote scientific and technological progress resonates deeply with the United Arab Emirates. But we recognize that the EU is much more than that; it is also a key geopolitical actor whose commitment to playing a constructive role on many issues on the Council’s agenda we commend. As the war in Ukraine continues, we must redouble efforts to bring it to a just end. We must also ensure that other crises are not ignored, and welcome the EU’s commitment in that regard. That needs to be visible in concerted action — not only in word, but also in deed — working with partners in other regions as well. In our region, peace and stability for Libya, Yemen, Syria, Palestine and Israel must also be achieved, not to mention nine open conflicts on the African continent. With that in mind, I would like to touch on three specific areas of common concern. First, addressing security risks remains key to stability and prosperity. This autumn, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged in Manama that it took the EU too long to understand the impact of certain security risks beyond the Middle East. As she said, “the world needs a stronger security architecture against the spread of chaos”. We could not agree more. The idea that chaos, having gained a foothold somewhere, will not have a ripple effect somewhere else is a mirage. In the end, it will. Emerging risks to our collective stability, such as food insecurity, tech- enabled extremist incitement and nuclear sabre-rattling all require international cooperation. That also requires addressing protracted conflicts that continue to negatively impact the lives of millions of civilians. In a moment of unprecedented displacement, from Syria to the Sahel, there needs to be a change of paradigm in the way we support conflict- resolution efforts and manage the flow of those fleeing instability. Promoting sustainable peace and economic opportunities in countries of origin should be a key element in addressing that issue, alongside continued compassion for those most in need. Secondly, supporting those in need or at risk is a shared priority and should be recognized as such. Together, the United Nations, the EU and the United Arab Emirates have a strong commitment to supporting those affected by war and natural disasters. That entails ensuring that civilians from Afghanistan to Yemen to Syria receive vital, life-saving aid based on needs and not on politics. The EU is one of the Organization’s largest donors, providing critical financial and political support to front-line humanitarian efforts. The United Arab Emirates is host to the world’s largest humanitarian hub at the International Humanitarian City, where prepositioned bilateral and international assistance, including from the EU, is sent where needed. Most recently, nearly 90 planes full of emergency aid from the United Arab Emirates were dispatched in response to the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. The United Arab Emirates is also proud to work with the United Nations and EU to support women and girls. Without women’s empowerment, security and stability will not be sustained. As we witness the reversal of women’s and girls’ rights in almost every region around the world, promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of public life is key. Thirdly, scaling up climate ambition is an urgent task. Climate mitigation and adaptation efforts must go hand in hand, and the EU is an essential partner to achieve that objective. That work is essential to both ensuring sustainable development, especially for developing countries most vulnerable to climate change, as well as to maintaining international peace and security. As host of the twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Arab Emirates is committed to keeping alive the 1.5°C global climate target. Climate change is an existential crisis, and we cannot simply confine the 1.5°C goal to the dustbin of history. At the same time, we also recognize the importance of securing financing for climate adaptation for the global South, particularly with the increasing frequency and devastation of extreme-weather events. The European project was initiated by countries that had just fought a terrible war. They came together with the dedicated ambition to set up a common market for coal and steel. Fast forward 70 years and they became a Union that contributes effectively to so many areas critical for international peace and security. From the perspective of the Gulf today, and indeed the Arab world, that journey from confidence-building to political integration and a common agenda remains an inspiring example. We hope that we can all reach for that inspiration again today in pursuit of a new peace. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): I thank you, Mr. President, for convening us today for this important discussion, and I join others in thanking the High Representative for his briefing. It is good to see him in person. As we heard today, this has indeed been a challenging year for the multilateral system. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw the return of war to Europe. The knock-on effects have made it harder to tackle the most pressing global challenges, exacerbated food insecurity and prolonged the damage wrought by the coronavirus disease pandemic. In this challenging context, we welcome the positive role played by the European Union (EU) and other regional organizations in championing multilateralism and supporting the Security Council on international peace and security. I would like to highlight three areas in particular. First, we recognize the EU’s efforts to address global challenges. The United Kingdom is proud of our work alongside the EU to establish energy transition partnerships, which have helped coal-dependent emerging economies make a just energy transition by building on the model pioneered at the twenty- sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As we just heard from the representative of the United Arab Emirates, we look forward to continuing this work through the twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties. We also welcome the EU’s considerable support for the Organization’s Education Cannot Wait fund. As a co-founder of the fund, the United Kingdom values that support to high-quality education in emergencies. Secondly, we recognize the EU’s contribution to the Organization’s work. That includes cooperation with United Nations peace operations and peacebuilding, for example in Mali and Somalia, and efforts to promote regional stability. We expect that the EU Military Partnership Mission in the Niger will play a vital role in supporting stability in the Sahel, as the High Representative described. In Europe, we strongly support the EU’s role in upholding peace and security in the Western Balkans, including through the EU-facilitated Serbia-Kosovo dialogue and the ongoing important role of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, the United Kingdom welcomes the EU’s support for Ukraine. The EU has given vital humanitarian assistance and helped tackle global food insecurity by supporting the Black Sea Grain Initiative. As we map out Ukraine’s reconstruction, we look forward to working with the EU on preparations for the 2023 Ukraine recovery conference, to be hosted by the United Kingdom and Ukraine in London in June. In these times of crisis, the role of the EU in tackling global challenges and assisting the United Nations in its work encapsulates the need for responsible multilateralism. We need an engaged role for regional organizations to address the problems we face and uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely debate on the cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU). I also thank Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, for his briefing. Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations underscores the importance of the work of regional organizations in maintaining peace and security. Thanks to their expertise, they play a key role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. That is why we welcome the cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations such as the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and, of course, the European Union, our immediate neighbour. The motto of the European Union, “United in diversity”, resonates with the fundamental values of the United Nations. In its Preamble, the Charter invites us to “practice tolerance [...] and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security”. The same motto reflects the identity of Switzerland, a country with four national languages. We also share with the EU the vision of an international order based on international law and effective multilateralism. Today’s discussion comes at a time when multilateralism is under pressure. It is therefore all the more relevant to recall the values that unite us. The High Representative’s appeal to the General Assembly for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine reflects the commitment of the EU and its members to the Charter and to respect for its principles. Switzerland shares that commitment and emphasizes that respect for those principles is in the interest of Europe and the world as a whole. A commitment to peace, sustainable development and human rights guides the United Nations, the European Union and Swiss foreign policy. That common ground is reflected in close cooperation in various contexts and on various thematic agendas. By way of illustration, I would like to highlight three points. First, we welcome the joint efforts of the European Union and the United Nations to promote peace and prevent armed conflict around the world. We welcome the importance placed on respect for international law in those efforts, such as for example in the tripartite project of the African Union, the EU and the United Nations on the human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework for peacekeeping operations. In the Western Balkans, the EU plays a key role in the implementation of Security Council mandates. That is particularly true of the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina, Operation Althea, to which Switzerland contributes. In a cross-cutting way, the EU is an important partner in the promotion of the women and peace and security agenda in various contexts on the agenda of the Security Council. Secondly, like the EU, we pay particular attention to the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, including by working for the protection in armed conflict of children and other non-combatants, such as the wounded and sick, whether in Ukraine, Syria or elsewhere. We support justice for all victims and are committed to the fight against impunity, because we know that there can be no lasting peace without accountability. Thirdly, we are also united in the belief that security risks must be addressed in a broader sense. Food insecurity and conflict create a vicious cycle that affects many parts of the world, of which Yemen, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa are only a few examples. We include in this the fight against climate change, which exacerbates food insecurity and can therefore have implications for international peace and security. Switzerland shares firm convictions with the European Union and the United Nations. We believe that disputes can and must be resolved peacefully, that dialogue and respect are the best means to achieve that and that diversity is an engine for peace and prosperity. We will continue to cooperate closely with the European Union and the United Nations, in the Security Council and outside it, as well as in the implementation of Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). Together we can forge global partnerships to implement our common motto, “United in diversity”.

I would like to welcome His Excellency High Representative Borrell Fontelles in person to the Security Council and thank him for his detailed and insightful briefing. We also thank you, Mr. President, for hosting such an important meeting at an opportune moment and a time when we need cooperation and solidarity. Regional organizations play an indispensable and complementary role in enabling the Security Council to fulfil its primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security. Cooperation with regional organizations is built into the Charter of the United Nations, and as they enlarge and deepen their mandates, they become more and more important as partners. In that context, Japan values the strong cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations under the framework of Chapter VIII of the Charter. We appreciate that the EU has consistently demonstrated its leadership and commitment, garnering vital international attention and support on current issues on a global scale. For example, the EU’s Global Gateway initiative is important to the creation of sustainable and trustworthy connections for tackling the most pressing global challenges. We welcomed the announcement of a huge investment package at the EU- African Union and EU-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summits last year. Japan is more than willing to work with the EU to promote international connectivity, as well as green and digital cooperation. Our security cooperation has also deepened. The EU and Japan have conducted more than 25 joint anti-piracy exercises in the Gulf of Aden. Japan and the EU are global strategic partners in support of the three pillars of the United Nations, as the High Representative mentioned — peace and security, sustainable development and human rights — as we share the fundamental values of democracy and freedom. We deeply appreciated the EU and its membership’s active participation in the open debate in the Security Council last month on the rule of law (see S/PV.9241) that Japan convened as President of the Council. In the midst of a tumultuous situation, the EU is playing an indispensable role for the international community through its solid and strong support for Ukraine and other regional partners. We have worked together tirelessly and will continue to do so for international peace and security on various issues, as well as on Ukraine, reaffirming the indispensable role of the EU as a strong partner of the United Nations.

I welcome you, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta, as you preside over today’s meeting. I also welcome the presence of Mr. Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and thank him for his briefing. Strengthening cooperation with regional and subregional organizations is both a clear provision of the Charter of the United Nations and an important embodiment of multilateralism. China supports the United Nations in its cooperation with the EU in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter. We are pleased to see the EU’s enhanced strategic autonomy, its more significant role in international affairs and its greater contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. China expects the EU to prioritize the practice of genuine multilateralism. In today’s world, where transformation and conflict are intertwined, the EU, as an active advocate of multilateralism, should take the lead in practicing true multilateralism, abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and maintain the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core. It is our hope that the EU will adhere to the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect the social system and development path independently chosen by each country and actively cooperate with all parties within the framework of the United Nations. China expects the EU to work towards the goal of creating a stable international security environment. No country can cope on its own with the increasingly complex international security challenges, or can a country extricate itself from the interdependent security concerns of all. It is our hope that, in the conduct of its foreign relations, the EU will afford equal attention to, and respect for, the legitimate security concerns of all countries. It should persist with efforts to resolve disputes and conflicts by peaceful means while promoting global security governance in a coordinated manner. China expects the EU to work towards facilitating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in those developing countries currently facing difficulties and challenges due to the energy, food, climate and debt crises, among others. We expect the EU to leverage its own advantages and resources to provide targeted financial and technical support to developing countries in order to meet their needs. We welcome the greater synergy between the EU and the United Nations, positively complementing the work of the Organization to help and support developing countries in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. The Ukraine crisis poses an enormous challenge to security in Europe. Properly resolving the crisis requires exploring how to build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture in Europe based on the principle of the indivisibility of security. We once again call on Russia and Ukraine to cease fire and resume peace negotiations as soon as possible. In the meantime, the EU, NATO and the United Nations should engage and hold dialogue with Russia to achieve common security on the European continent. China will always stand on the side of peace and dialogue. We will soon release a position paper on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and remain willing to continue playing an active and constructive role in resolving the Ukraine crisis and achieving peace at an early date. One year since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, all parties have continued to closely follow the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. We appreciate the efforts of individual countries, including EU member States, to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, especially by providing assistance to disadvantaged groups, such as refugees and displaced persons. It is our hope that the EU will uphold that humanitarian spirit and continue to extend assistance to all affected populations to the greatest extent possible in order mitigate the negative impact of the conflict and the harsh winter on people’s lives and prevent a larger- scale humanitarian crisis. The situation in Kosovo has continued to escalate in recent months and threatens to unhinge the stability of the Balkans. It is our hope that the EU, as it facilitates the dialogue between Serbia and the Kosovo authorities, will respect the framework established by resolution 1244 (1999) and avoid imposing internal solutions. The EU should urge the authority in Kosovo to observe previous agreements, expedite the establishment of the community of Serb municipalities and avoid any unilateral actions that may escalate the situation. No matter how the international situation evolves, the international community should always prioritize assisting Africa in achieving peace and development. When he addressed the Council in June, Mr. Borrell Fontelles expressed his hope that the EU would put into practice the principle of African solutions to African problems (see S/PV.9065), which China appreciates. It is our hope that the EU will continue to support the establishment of the African Union’s (AU) Collective Security Mechanism and provide more predictable and sustainable financial support to the AU and African countries for their independent peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel and Somalia. The EU should also assist African countries with post- pandemic recovery and enhance Africa’s capacity to address various risks and challenges. China has always attached great importance to the development of relations with the EU, it supports the European integration process and is pleased to see the sustained autonomy, unity, stability and prosperity of Europe. China stands ready to work with the EU to continuously strengthen dialogue, exchanges, tolerance and mutual learning, to deepen cooperation with the United Nations and other multilateral forums, to uphold and practice genuine multilateralism and jointly make new contributions to global peace, stability and prosperity.

The previous occasion on which the Security Council discussed the question of cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU) was in June 2022, when we stated that, thanks to Brussels’ efforts, EU-Russia relations had plummeted to rock bottom (see S/PV.9065). As it turns out, there is in fact an abyss below that rock bottom, into which not only our relations — which essentially no longer exist — but a united Europe itself continue to plunge. When historians write about the years 2022 and 2023, the most frequently used words in the chapter dedicated to the European Union will probably be “degradation”, “helplessness”, “short-sightedness” and “Russophobia”. Much credit in that regard is due not only to the efforts of individual European leaders, but also European bureaucrats, including Mr. Borrell Fontelles, who briefed us today. Thanks to Mr. Borrell Fontelles, we have learned a lot about Europe and the true essence of European diplomacy over the past year. We have learned, for instance, that Europe is a blooming garden surrounded by jungle. We learned that, for European diplomats, the struggle for peace is reduced to an increasing flow of weapons into a conflict zone, despite the fact that, in principle, such actions are explicitly prohibited by EU legislation. Moreover, so as to dispel any doubts about the peace-loving nature of the EU, some of those supplies are being paid for by the European Peace Facility. We have also learned that the freedom of speech in the European Union is tantamount to a ban on alternative views. In addition, while we were of course aware of the Russophobia lying dormant in the depths of Europe, we had frankly no idea of its depth and scale, which is not limited to a maniacal desire to defeat Russia at the hands of Ukrainians on the battlefield. It goes far deeper — in favour of the most primitive, boorish Russophobes among the Poles and the Baltic States, we are witnessing events being held in European capitals and institutions on how best to dismember and destroy our countr. Against a backdrop of measures aimed at cancelling Russia, its culture and its artistic and sporting achievements, we are getting a totally unambiguous picture of our European neighbours that makes us want to close the door entirely on them and, indeed, deadbolt that door until such obscurantism and Russophobia cease. Russia has been labelled the principal and essentially sole threat to European security. It has even become somewhat taboo to discuss the possibility of building a common security system with Russia — now only collective security against Russia is acceptable for discussion. The response to any related question in Brussels is that Russia has only itself to blame. However, those assertions are shattered by a simple fact: it was Russia, on the eve of the Ukraine crisis, that consistently proposed that the West sign an agreement on mutual security assurances, while putting forward suggestions on comprehensive and indivisible security in the Euro- Atlantic space. All of those were arrogantly rebuffed. Why indeed would the European Union need them when, through its Eastern Partnership programme, it has consistently promoted a completely different logic since 2009, insisting on the need to sever ties with Russia and making them choose — Russia or the EU? The logic was absolutely evident in the European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement, which triggered the Maidan coup d’état in 2014. That triggered the acute Ukrainian crisis. We are seeing the final phase today. Today we understand perfectly well that all the tales about good-neighbourliness, partnership and common spaces were a mere smokescreen to orchestrate a confrontaiton with Russia, executed by our shared neighbours. The most pliant were Georgia and Ukraine, who were chosen as pawns in the geopolitical confrontation with our country. While Tbilisi was smart enough to minimize the damage in time, the Maidan- driven Kyiv Government, infiltrated with revived Ukrainian nationalism and neo-Nazism, simply lost its mind because of that new sycophantic role. As a result, the world today is on the verge of a suicidal conflict, which the EU, alongside the rest of the West, advances by leaps and bounds, increasing weapons deliveries to the Kyiv regime and becoming more complicit. Incidentally and parenthetically, in such cases we talk about the European Union as a single Europe, our closest and natural neighbours, but of course that is no longer true. From a military and political perspective, the European Union, before our eyes, is losing its own legal standing and becoming a spineless appendage of another military bloc, whose true goals, intentions and masters have long been known to us. The joint declaration of cooperation between the EU and NATO, signed on 10 January, essentially reaffirms the full subordination of the European Union to the goal set by the North Atlantic bloc. The provisions of the document about the secondary nature or, speaking in the language of NATO strategists, the complementary nature vis-à-vis the alliance of Europeans’ defence policy effectively invalidates any European Union claims to be independent in that area. For the European Union, that “new level of partnership” means complete support for the confrontational approaches of NATO and being dragged into playing a supporting role in geopolitical ambitions for a global domination. The joint declaration is yet another attempt to assert the philosophy of Western superiority. It bluntly claims that NATO and the EU will use all political, economic and military means to the benefit of their own 1 billion citizens. They essentially view the rest of the world as a hostile environment, which needs to be reformatted, using those same instruments — put succinctly, those same weed-infested jungles that Mr. Borrell sees us as. Someone might object that the EU was initially devised as an economic, not a political, bloc and the strength and appeal of the European Union was economic in nature. Perhaps one year ago that was true. But the situation has changed fundamentally since then. In the year that has elapsed — a year of completely severing ties with our country — the growth rate of “united” Europe’s gross domestic product is close to zero, while record-breaking inflation rates are now in double digits. Europe welcomes the fact that it has been disconnected from the Russian gas pipeline. Glad to be off the Russian gas needle, the European Union is now addicted to the hard drug — expensive American liquefied natural gas. To keep the economy of the European Union functioning in just the energy aspect alone, €710 billion was spent in 2022. In other words, European liberal market economies are now surviving on Government subsidies and grants. And yet Europe’s prosperity and economic power were based primarily on cheap Russian energy resources. Once they were gone, Europe became an economic colossus with clay feet, and energy-intensive industries were drawn across the ocean to the delight of big brother. Evil tongues say that that was exactly what Washington wanted from the very beginning of the conflict  — to destroy its European competitor. Let us not stoop to conspiracy theories, but one thing is clear  — there has never been such impotence in the economic sphere and such servility to the United States in the history of Europe. It went so far that Brussels tacitly accepted the sabotage of the gas pipeline, paid for by European investors among others, by its closest ally. Brussels is now attempting to sweep all the inconvenient facts under the carpet so as not to displease Washington. What independent role of the EU and Europe, as a whole, can we talk about under such circumstances? In any case, one thing is certain — after such gross political and economic blunders, Europe’s chances of becoming one of the poles of the nascent multipolar world are close to zero. Some might say that we should wait. But Europe is above all a union of values  — those of proverbial freedom, equality, fraternity, democracy and human rights. That has always been its appeal. Alas, the European Union has also failed in that area. Having once accepted the Baltic countries with their Russophobia and apartheid attitude towards their own Russian- speaking population, instead of curing them of that disease, the EU became infected with it. Brussels has also long lost any measure of good sense with regard to media freedom, reducing it to strict censorship and a ban on dissent. In recent years, that was compounded by rapidly progressing blindness to neo-Nazism, which took practical expression not only in ignoring Nazi manifestations in Ukraine but also in voting against the annual resolution condemning the glorification of Nazism. In the end, what is left of those European values? What are the achievements? All they have done is transform a woman into a man and a man into a non-binary person, into something that is neither male nor female and is completely indistinct, and making traditional families something unseemly. We recognize those so-called breakthroughs and do not intend to compete on that front. We ask that they stay away from us with their new values. The last and only Security Council document in recent years on cooperation with the European Union was the presidential statement of 14 February 2014 (S/PRST/2014/4). At that time, the members of the Security Council, including us, being in a completely different paradigm of relations with the European Union, welcomed its assistance in stabilizing the Western Balkans, Mali, the Central African Republic, Afghanistan and Syria. Now, nine years later, the text of that document looks like someone’s cruel joke. After all, Western involvement has brought only instability, economic problems and suffering to those and many other regions. It makes no sense to single out the European Union from the pile of other structures that have been completely taken over by the United States. By a strange and almost mystical coincidence, the date of that statement separated the old Europe from the new one in many ways. Just a week after the adoption of the document, European Union representatives took a direct part in the anti-constitutional armed coup in Kyiv, thereby setting, at the instigation of the Americans, a tough confrontation with Russia. That fateful decision was the starting point of the European Union’s degradation, its devaluation into an obedient tool of the Americans. Given the blatant hostility of the European Union in its present form towards Russia and its dwarfing independent importance, we are forced to be sceptical of all projects involving the European Union and on the United Nations platform. I would like to urge all developing nations to think seriously about that reassessment. Council members must accept that Washington stands behind Brussels. For every dollar it invests, for every non-governmental organization or political fund it forms, they will then have to pay the price of independence and sovereignty, or even face direct interference in domestic affairs. It is important to remember the West’s violation of Ukraine’s independence and the unenviable fate of that State, which was turned into a blind and unwilling pawn in someone else’s game. I ask members to think of the Middle East burning to this day and of Yugoslavia being torn apart, and not to repeat these mistakes of others.

Mozambique commends Malta for having convened this important briefing. We thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for his important and insightful briefing. The Security Council is vested with the primary responsibility for maintaining global, regional and local peace and security. Articles 52 to 54, or simply Chapter VIII, of the Charter of the United Nations serve the purpose of guiding us with regard to regional cooperation related to peace and security. The dialogue between the United Nations and the European Union (EU) must be viewed in that perspective. It is an important platform, which adds value to our concerted efforts in the promotion of peace and security internationally. As a member of both the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mozambique welcomes its cooperation with the European Union, especially with regard to support for African-led programmes on the prevention and resolution of conflicts. In that connection, we note that since 2004, the European Union has been a contributing partner to the African Union conflict prevention efforts through the African Peace Facility, which is a fund managed in partnership with the African Union Commission. That has allowed for the financing of African-led peace support operations and capacity-building for African Union institutions and African Union-led conflict prevention initiatives. As a matter of fact, peace, security and governance have been a long-standing thematic pillar of the European Union–Africa partnership. It is a partnership that we value and that deepened with the conclusion of the 1989 Lomé IV Convention. In our view, such collaboration between the European Union and the African Union is one of the most effective elements of the broader EU–Africa relationship. Since 2021, the European Peace Facility has been enabling the European Union to channel assistance directly to the regional economic communities, such as SADC, towards regional peace and security support operations. That has allowed for an enhanced flexibility, a faster reaction time and better results for the continent, thereby avoiding higher transaction costs and unnecessary delays. Peace and stability in Africa are a matter of the utmost importance and of global concern. That justifies the partnership between the European Union and the African Union, which must be based on a shared interest in tackling the root causes of conflicts, including through the promotion of sustainable development. We believe that such as approach must be anchored in the African Union’s principle according to which African problems require African solutions first. In our understanding, that axiom does not mean the exclusion of the international community from engaging in African problems. Quite the contrary, it calls for deeper cooperation. We believe that it was in that spirit that it was referred to at the sixth European Union–African Union summit, held on 17 and 18 February 2022. In that context, we welcome the European Union’s support to the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the African Peace and Security Architecture, the African Governance Architecture and Silencing the Guns — a programme that has now been extended to the year 2030. The European Union’s engagement with the African Union to address security problems covers threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons and organized crime, among others. It is a programme that enjoys our full support. In the southern Africa region, Mozambique recognizes the support of the European Union under the implementation of the SADC Indicative Strategic Plan for the Organ and its invaluable contribution to the strengthening of the SADC peace and security architecture. The SADC region is in full convergence with the European Union, particularly on programmes such as the programme on support to peace and security in the SADC region, designed to strengthen the capacity of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Coopera­ tion. We would like to see that support further increased. With regard to counter-terrorism, we are also encouraged by the EU’s support for SADC’s initiatives to operationalize the SADC Regional Counter- Terrorism Centre, launched in Tanzania in February 2022. The Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in the prevention of radicalism, violent extremism and the financing of terrorism in the region. We highly praise the European Union for its efforts towards supporting a training mission on counter- terrorism to address the ongoing security challenges in Cabo Delgado, a province of our own country, Mozambique. Here again, we would like to see the programme further strengthened and consolidated. We believe that such partnerships further strengthen our capabilities on matters pertaining to crisis management, conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, peacebuilding, maritime insecurity and peace operations, among other current security challenges. That is the reason that we welcome our cooperation with the European Union.

I commend Malta on taking the initiative of convening this important debate, which highlights the leading role that regional and subregional organizations play in the development and implementation of United Nations programmes, in accordance with the principles set forth in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. I thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for his informative briefing on the commitment of the European Union at the international level. The United Nations and the European Union maintain a constructive working dynamic that continues to grow in response to the multifaceted challenges to international peace and security. It is a model partnership in line with the European Union’s significant contribution to the United Nations funds and programmes dedicated to conflict prevention, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, the promotion and protection of human rights and humanitarian aid, as well as its own work in areas as varied as peace and security, the fight against climate change, the protection of biodiversity and the fight against pollution. The European Union’s commitment is particularly important in terms of strengthening multilateralism through reaffirming and consolidating the central role of the United Nations. In terms of conflict prevention and peacebuilding, the European Union’s commitment has as its principal mechanism the European Peace Facility, the goal of which is to contribute to international peace through financing for conflict prevention and peacebuilding operations, particularly in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel region, Central and Southern Africa, the Western Balkans and Ukraine. The many crises exacerbated by interrelated challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, the plundering of natural resources and the misuse of information technologies, require cooperative work between the United Nations and the European Union through the use of suitable tools. That partnership has been supported by a framework agreement on peace operations and crisis management since September 2020. The framework agreement promotes the needed joint action and alignment of the European Union’s priorities with those of the United Nations. The increasingly regional nature of crises undeniably led to the conclusions of the Brahimi report (S/2000/809) on United Nations peacekeeping operations, which advocated for greater cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. The issue of global responsibility-sharing in crisis management is particularly important and highlights the need for a principle of subsidiarity and the use of comparative advantages for greater efficiency. On the African continent, the main area of cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union involves responding to the constant threats posed by extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, the Allied Democratic Forces and Al-Shabaab, most of which claim ties with Da’esh. The resulting security risk seriously erodes the foundations of the shared values of freedom, dignity and democracy on the African continent by taking advantage of populations that are at the mercy of socioeconomic factors. Another priority area in which there is cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the European Union and the African Union, involves the fight against maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. That poses a clear security and economic threat to the countries of the region, such as Gabon, which are exposed to attacks on ships, illicit marine activities, kidnapping and other acts of sabotage. The most recent report of the Secretary-General on the issue (S/2022/818) underscores the joint efforts undertaken in cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union, which in particular includes a strong presence on the ground with, of course, marked and encouraging results. The scope of those threats and challenges has led the African Union to adopt its own peace and development strategy, set forth in Agenda 2063, which is underpinned by the African Peace and Security Architecture, the African Governance Architecture and the Silencing the Guns initiative. Those ambitious initiatives combine robust funding and logistics and synergy that prioritizes trilateral cooperation among the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations, given the convergence of their respective interests. Therefore, we agree that there is a need to call not only for strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, but also for cooperation between the European Union and the African Union and, more broadly, for trilateral interaction among the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union, with a view to increasing their coordination on cross-cutting peace and security concerns. Furthermore, we call for the strengthening of the dialogue between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the European Union Political and Security Committee. The partnership between the United Nations and the European Union must be strengthened in order to be even more effective. It must be based on optimal coordination and communication. Indeed, terrorism, transnational crime, humanitarian crises and natural disasters are all complex and interdependent challenges that require the involvement of multiple stakeholders and, consequently, regular and timely information-sharing. Establishing coherent crisis management and resolution mechanisms with clearly defined and necessary tasks and responsibilities among the various actors would allow for agreed policies to be established between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, with a view towards dealing effectively with crisis situations. I should like to stress the need to strengthen the participation of youth and women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding mechanisms. Their involvement is crucial to the sustainability and effectiveness of peace processes. I would like to conclude by reiterating the need to strengthen the partnership between the United Nations and the European Union, including through interregional partnerships. Such partnerships serve as complementary tools in the work of the United Nations in its primary mission of maintaining peace and security in the world. That exemplary partnership has, above all, the advantage of being flexible enough to be deployed in many diverse fields of operation, in synergy, to optimize the international community’s responses to the various crises that present obstacles to realizing the aspirations of the world’s peoples for security and stability.

We thank Malta for organizing this timely meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union. We also thank High Representative Borrell Fontelles for his informative briefing today. On behalf of the United States, I want to express my deep appreciation for the European Union’s (EU) invaluable contributions to international peace and security across the globe through its cooperation with the United Nations. The United States and the European Union have also built a strong partnership based on shared values and a common vision. We are steadfast in our commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations: the principles of territorial integrity, the political independence of Member States and the rights to individual and collective self- defence. Those principles have been put to the test by Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the biggest threat to European security in decades. But as President Biden made clear during his visit to Kyiv this week, Russia grossly underestimated the strength of Ukraine. President Putin thought he could divide the international community, but he was wrong, and the international community will continue to stand with Ukraine as long as it takes. The dream of a Europe that is whole, free and at peace must not just be an aspiration. It must not be empty words. It must be realized for all of us to enjoy a more secure, more just and more prosperous world. Since Russia launched its war of aggression, European countries have bolstered their ability to defend themselves, and they have welcomed millions of refugees seeking safety and peace. The United States, our European allies and our EU partners are working hand in hand with United Nations agencies, other international organizations and non-governmental organizations to mitigate the humanitarian impact of this war, not only in Ukraine, but around the world. As we all know, this war has exacerbated the global food security crisis, and people thousands of miles from Ukraine, especially in countries in the Middle East and Africa that rely on Ukrainian grain, are in dire need. That is why, last September, the United States, the European Union, the African Union and Spain organized the global food security summit right here at the United Nations. Since then, more than 100 Member States have agreed to act with urgency and at scale to respond to the global food security crisis and avert extreme hunger. That commitment must be backed up with action  — with humanitarian assistance. And the United States and members of the European Union are among the largest donors to humanitarian and food security organizations, including the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. We heard from High Representative Borrell that EU-United Nations cooperation is not limited to one issue or one area of the world. That partnership is ambitious and far-reaching. In Haiti, the EU has joined the United Nations basket fund to help improve security. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU’s continued commitment to the European Union military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been vital for maintaining peace and security. The EU-facilitated dialogue remains the best path for normalization between Serbia and Kosovo. In Afghanistan, the United States and the EU have spoken out against the Taliban’s dangerous and reckless decrees that seek to erase Afghan women from society and threaten millions of innocent lives. In Africa, the EU has been a key contributor to security through its cooperation with the United Nations. Last November, the tripartite project between the African Union (AU), EU and United Nations on enhancing the AU compliance and accountability framework for peace support operations was launched. It will enhance the AU’s capacity to ensure that peace support operations are planned and conducted in compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law. It will also build on the AU’s African Peace and Security Architecture. We also welcome the EU’s commitment, made with the African Union and the United Nations, to promote stability in Somalia, Mali and the Central African Republic, which will bolster those countries’ ability to defend themselves without relying on malign foreign actors. In the Indo-Pacific region, the EU is helping to improve maritime security and ensure shared domains are governed lawfully with respect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Finally, we welcome the EU’s invaluable financial support to the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. The Investigative Team is vital to efforts to collect, analyse and store evidence to prosecute atrocities committed by Da’esh. Across every global challenge, the EU is a critical partner to the United Nations and the Security Council, and the world is more peaceful, prosperous and secure because of that partnership — one that we must continue to strengthen in the months and years ahead.

I would like to thank Mr. Ian Borg, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, for convening today’s meeting. I join others in welcoming the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, and I thank him for his informative briefing. Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations goes beyond Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations on regional arrangements and is indispensable to supporting our Organization’s three fundamental pillars: the maintenance of international peace and security, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the implementation of the sustainable development agenda. The European Union and the United Nations are natural partners, united by the common values, principles and objectives reflected in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as in the Treaty of Lisbon and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, among other key instruments. My country recognizes the contribution the European Union has made to multilateralism and international cooperation by making them a central focus of its foreign policy and highlights its members’ commitment to defending an international order based on the rule of law and international law. We note the important contributions made by the European Union to peacekeeping missions, in particular through the significant number of officers who help to promote peace and security in the places where it is needed most. Ecuador and the European Union share many of the priorities of the peace and security agenda, including the agendas on women and peace and security, children and armed conflict, the protection of civilians, combating transnational organized crime, and confronting emerging threats, including those related to cyberspace, the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and the protection of the oceans, among others. Like the European Union, Ecuador is committed to upholding the principles and purposes of the Charter and international law. In that connection, Ecuador condemned the military aggression against Ukraine and has reiterated its rejection of any attempt to annex territories by force. I recognize in that regard the support and facilitating role played by the delegation of the European Union in New York in the process of consultations and negotiations on the resolutions adopted at the eleventh emergency special session of the General Assembly. This very morning, a draft resolution on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine (A/ES-11/L.7) is being considered for adoption, with the sponsorship and support of Ecuador. We call on the European Union to intensify its efforts to achieve the dialogue necessary to overcome the most complex challenges posed by the conflict. Likewise, we commend the efforts of the European Union in addressing and managing other conflicts in Europe. We highlight the Union’s commitment to the Western Balkans. Furthermore, we appreciate the contribution it is making to sustaining peace and stability to Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the European Union military operation there. As has been said today, cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations goes beyond Europe. We appreciate its support for the African Union Mission in Somalia and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and its efforts in the Sahel. We also note its role in the search for a negotiated solution to the Palestinian question and its constructive role in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear programme. With regard to nuclear matters, Ecuador would like to see the development of a broader role within the Union and outside it to step up United Nations efforts towards a world free of nuclear weapons. In addition, we trust that cooperation between the European Union and Latin America will continue to be strengthened. The participation of High Representative Borrell last October at the third meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and of the EU marked the beginning of a new stage of joint work on the empowerment of women and girls, gender policies and the fight against discrimination, as well as cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, including money laundering and illicit drug trafficking. In the humanitarian field, we acknowledge the role played by the European Union in its immediate response to support the victims of the tragedy in Türkiye and Syria, through its humanitarian aid programmes and the mobilization of its search-and-rescue teams. The same can be said in the case of Haiti, and we encourage the European Union to deepen its support for that country’s transition efforts, which is crucial to ensuring a safer region and a safer world. Nor can we fail to recognize the important role played by the European Union in the peace process in Colombia. We have noted that the United Nations and the European Union have complementary capacities, which, when properly coordinated, contribute to the strengthening of multilateralism. Ecuador therefore reiterates its recognition of the role of the European Union as a strategic partner of the United Nations, and we hope that cooperation between the two organizations will continue to deepen.

At the outset, let me thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting. I would like to congratulate Malta on its outstanding presidency of the Security Council this month. I would also like to thank Mr. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for his comprehensive briefing. The complexity of the crises we face today places enormous pressure on global governance structures. It is high time for United Nations reform that would offer more legitimate and effective responses to the multiple challenges to peace and security and the demands of the developing world. Brazil believes that cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, under the terms of Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, is one of the ways multilateralism can be strengthened. We recognize the important role the European Union (EU) plays in security issues, including through its contributions to the peace operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its engagement in peace efforts in other regions, as well as its support for the sustainability of the Palestinian Authority. Brazil encourages the EU to redouble its efforts in the search for a negotiated solution to the conflict in Ukraine. We believe that the EU can contribute to adequately addressing the root causes of this conflict, as it has done in the past, and to preventing violence from becoming normalized. We also believe there is a need for reflection on the unforeseen consequences of unilateral sanctions. Experience shows that in most cases sanctions have a limited effect on actors whose behaviour they intend to influence, while invariably harming civilian populations, including in third countries. Close and transparent cooperation between the United Nations and the EU continues to be very beneficial to the multilateral system, and it can be further strengthened through dialogue with other States Members of the United Nations.

I thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell, for his briefing. I would like to emphasize two aspects. The European Union (EU) is working with the United Nations in favour of the primacy of the rule of law over force. The European Union is at the forefront of the defence of the United Nations Charter. This is the case in the year- long war of aggression waged by Russia on European soil in defiance of the Charter, international law and the principle of sovereign equality of States. The EU and its member States are fully mobilized in the response to crises to ensure international peace and stability. The EU member States collectively deploy more than 5,000 personnel in peacekeeping operations, and their contributions finance almost a quarter of the total peacekeeping budget. Let me cite just a few examples. In Africa, I welcome the launch of a new military partnership mission in the Niger. The EU has also shown itself to be a reliable partner for Somalia and the African Union. In Syria and Türkiye, the European Union and its member countries, in synergy with the United Nations, are actively providing emergency aid to the populations affected by the earthquakes. These efforts are in addition to the €27 billion in humanitarian aid provided since 2011 by the European Union and its member States to the most vulnerable Syrians in Syria and the region. The EU and its member States are mobilized to defend the values that are at the heart of the United Nations. We are therefore dedicated to the defence of human rights and in particular the rights of women. This is the case in Afghanistan, where the European Union, one of the leading donors, has maintained its assistance to the Afghan population, while continuing to demand that the Taliban reverse the repressive decisions they have taken against women and girls. The European Union and its member States are also actively promoting the full implementation of the Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security, and youth peace and security. The European Union remains an essential partner of the United Nations in meeting the challenges of the multilateralism of tomorrow. It does so by assisting in the reform of the United Nations. The Security Council must now be enlarged to become more representative. It must welcome new members in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. It must also remain capable of playing its full role, which is the underlying meaning of the initiative to regulate the use of the veto in the case of mass atrocities, which has already been supported by 106 countries. It also does so by ensuring the financing of the United Nations. The EU member States are the leading contributors to the regular budget, financing almost a quarter of it. We also contribute to the priorities of the Secretary-General to address the major challenges of today and tomorrow. In his Common Agenda, the Secretary-General has presented us with a road map for building peace, creating the conditions for sustainable and inclusive development, and combating the effects of climate change. The EU and its member States contribute to the international community’s efforts in this area, in particular through initiatives aimed at increasing the resilience of States in the face of climate change. It also contributes to supporting the least developed countries. The Security Council can count on the firm commitment of the EU and its member States, and of course France, to work with the United Nations within the framework of Chapter VIII of the Charter in all crisis areas and to contribute to the construction of an effective and fair multilateralism.