S/PV.9876 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Kaja Kallas, 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 now give the floor to Ms. Kallas. Ms. Kallas: It is an honour to address the Security Council. I would like to thank the Danish presidency for scheduling this meeting, and I wish you the best, Madam President, for your presidency at this very critical time. This year marks 80 years since the foundation of the United Nations, and it is facing unprecedented pressure. We see blatant violations of the Charter of the United Nations. We see attempts to replace the rule of law by the rule of force. The rules-based international order, enshrined in the United Nations Charter, is a set of universal principles that create conditions for peace, prosperity, human rights, dignity and development for all. Eighty years on, we see these principles under heavy fire. My message to the Council today is simple: whether we are talking about support to international law, international humanitarian law and human rights, United Nations-led peace efforts, security, boosting multilateralism, humanitarian efforts or funding, the European Union (EU) will remain the United Nations reliable partner of choice. Let me take each of those six points in turn. First, the EU calls for the respect of international law, international humanitarian law and human rights in every context in which they are at risk or actively violated — be it in Gaza, the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Haiti or Ukraine. Yet, for three long years, we have been witnessing an illegal war of aggression aimed at destroying a Member State of the United Nations. Russia continues its unprovoked full-scale invasion. It continues to attack, destroy, kill civilians, spread false narratives, deny its war crimes and evade responsibility. Let us not forget that two weeks ago, in this Chamber, Russia vetoed the Council’s support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and to peace in line with the United Nations Charter (see S/PV.9866). The United Nations Charter is sacrosanct for a safer world, be it in Ukraine or any other country. That is why the European Union has supported Ukraine, in line with its right to self-defence under the Charter, and why we also stand firmly with Ukraine for a just and lasting peace in line with the Charter. That is the spirit of the resolution promoted by Ukraine and the EU and adopted by the General Assembly (General Assembly resolution ES-11/7), with large support from the United Nations membership. Europe has learned from its own history that giving in to aggressors’ demands leads to more violence. Let us be clear: the war, for which Russia alone is responsible, can end instantly if Russia withdraws its troops and stops bombing Ukraine. Russia can stop this war any time, but has chosen not to, despite all the efforts so far, because it has not achieved its war aims. That has not changed. My second point regards EU support for United Nations-led and international peace efforts. While those efforts are going on in all corners of the world, my thoughts first turn to Gaza. The ceasefire in Gaza is holding but remains fragile. Thanks to the EU’s Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point, by 8 March, more than 3,500 people had crossed into Egypt, including more than 2,000 people requiring medical treatment. Work is still ongoing. Too many civilians have been killed on both sides. It is critical that both sides uphold their commitments to international and humanitarian law and that phase two talks succeed. It is imperative that the delivery of humanitarian aid not be politicized or made conditional. All blockades on the delivery of aid at scale must be lifted. The EU has been the number one provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, both in Gaza and in the West Bank. We intend to stay that course. The total humanitarian support from the EU and its member States in the past two years amounts to almost € 1.5 billion. Last year alone, we provided an additional € 120 million to that effort. While the Border Mission in Rafah is our concrete contribution to supporting the ceasefire on the ground, the two-State solution remains the only avenue that will bring sustainable peace and security to the Middle East. For that reason, the EU supports diplomatic efforts through the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. We stand ready to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and regional and international actors. Let made also say that, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, the European Union firmly rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial changes in Gaza and elsewhere in the world. At the same time, the security of Israel is paramount to a lasting political solution. In that context, we welcome the Arab recovery and reconstruction plan recently presented at the Cairo Summit and adopted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It is a serious plan for discussions on the future of Gaza, and we will be discussing those ideas with our Arab partners. We support a future State of Palestine with Gaza as an integral part, and we will work with the international community in rebuilding Gaza. Our full support for the role of the United Nations and the United Nations Special Envoy also applies to Syria. The fall of the Al-Assad regime marked an historic moment and a chance for all Syrians to rebuild their country. But it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue. The atrocities that we witnessed in recent days are unacceptable and show how fragile the situation is. They cannot happen again. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. In order for stability to take root, it is imperative for the transition to be peaceful and inclusive and for civilians to be protected in all circumstances, with full respect for human rights and international law. We urge all external actors to respect Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, we welcome key developments headed in the right direction towards an inclusive transition, with the agreement announced yesterday between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus, which could pave the way for more stability and a better future for Beyond the Middle East, we should continue to work together to address conflicts such as the one in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The recent resolution 2773 (2025), adopted unanimously (see S/PV.9865), sends a strong message to those responsible for the current escalation that territorial integrity is paramount in Africa as it is elsewhere. My third point concerns security. The EU-United Nations strategic partnership on peace and security is a long-standing strand of our cooperation. It demonstrates our shared commitment to global stability. Concretely, the European Union contributes to United Nations-led efforts by engaging in coordinated action, providing funds, concentrating on prevention and pursuing our Common Security and Defence Policy. The EU provides predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding. For example, we are maintaining our annual contribution of €3 million to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund in the current cycle. EU member States account for more than a fifth of the United Nations peacekeeping budget. Prevention is at the core of peacebuilding efforts and, hence, security, and is far more cost-effective than responding to crises. To reinforce those efforts, we are working to establish a group of friends of peacebuilding and conflict prevention. On top of all of that, the EU is a security provider in its own right. Since 2003, the European Union has launched more than 40 civilian and military missions and operations globally — 21 of which are ongoing — in which we are often working hand-in-hand with the United Nations on the ground. They include Operation Aspides, which has already protected more than 340 vessels transiting the Red Sea; the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta, to counter piracy in the Horn of Africa; the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is helping to preserve the stability of the country through its support for the national authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all citizens; and the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, to implement the arms embargo in Libya, to name a few. Collectively, we can think about how peacebuilding and peace operations could better reflect the evolving peace and security landscape. This year’s review of the peacebuilding architecture and the Peacekeeping Ministerial will offer an opportunity to do so. My fourth point this morning is that the EU remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateral solutions. The adoption of the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1) last year demonstrates that that commitment is widely shared in the world. Boosting multilateralism is obviously a matter of teamwork. That is also why we engage with partners at the regional level. Last year, we had the first-ever EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit. This year, we held a European Union-African Union ministerial and a summit to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of our partnership, and we also held the EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States summit. There are many instances around the world of how multilateralism is the only way forward in solving issues. For example, in Somalia, we will continue to support Myanmar is another instance of multilateral problem solving. The EU engages with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with opposition and pro- democratic forces with the aim of restoring Myanmar’s democratic path and restoring peace and stability. But we also put our money where our mouth is: together with the EU member States, in 2024, the EU was the second-largest development donor in Myanmar. In Haiti, the EU supports a stabilization path leading to elections. We also support the Multinational Security Support Mission via a financial contribution of up to €10 million. We are working with the United Nations on how to operationalize it. We support multilateralism not where and when it is in our interests, but because it is always in the collective interest. In that vein, the constant expansion of Iran’s nuclear programme fully contradicts Iran’s own commitments, as endorsed by the Security Council. At the same time, a multilateral approach like the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was  — and is  — key. There is no sustainable alternative to a diplomatic solution. My fifth point concerns humanitarian work. Humanitarian needs continue to rise globally. Although others pull back, the European Union will always step up, with almost €2 billion this year alone. In the Sudan, for example, the war has caused the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The EU supports all meaningful efforts to put an end to the war and continues to work hand in hand with international accountability mechanisms to bring the perpetrators of atrocities to justice. In 2024, the EU allocated close to €260 million to the humanitarian response to assist those in need in the Sudan. The European Union has also promoted a non-aggression pact with the warring parties for critical infrastructure, such as dams and electricity grids. Regional and international pressure will be needed to help stop the destruction that is now unfolding. Another example is the EU’s humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, where the human rights situation continues to worsen, particularly for women and girls. We commend the efforts of the United Nations to initiate a United Nations-led political process, reinvigorating the Doha process. The EU stands ready to contribute where it can as a major donor, with a presence in Kabul. My sixth point is on financing. The EU and our member States demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to the financial stability of the United Nations by paying on time and by paying in full. Collectively, we are the single-largest official development assistance (ODA) donor worldwide, contributing 42 per cent, or well over €90 billion, of global ODA in 2022 and 2023. Much of that goes through United Nations agencies. The EU and EU member States collectively make the single-largest financial contribution to the United Nations system, year after year. EU member States jointly finance one quarter of the United Nations regular budget. Together, the European Union and the EU Member States provide a third of all financial contributions to United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. In 2022, our member States spent more than €14 billion. The EU alone spends more than €3 billion annually. That is more than anyone else spends. We are the cornerstone of United Nations financing. That is the most concrete example of our commitment to, and support for, the United Nations. The first threat is terrorism, which affects us all. Let me assure the Council that our commitment to fight against terrorism, anticipating threats and jointly working with partners, is resolute. Secondly, information manipulation and interference are increasingly used as a tool of hybrid warfare for covert operations by various actors. The online environment presents particular opportunities to manipulate free, open and democratic discourse for political or economic gain. Recognizing that urgent challenge, the EU strongly supports the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity. Thirdly, attacks on gender equality are increasing. The Commission on the Status of Women is meeting this week. We also mark 30 years since the adoption of the groundbreaking Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. We need to understand that gender equality is intrinsically linked to democratic resilience. The EU also fully supports the women and peace and security agenda. As I wrap up, let me emphasize the important imperative of reforming our multilateral system. We all agree that we need to reinvigorate the United Nations in order to reflect the world of today. Reform of the Security Council is a necessary condition for this organ to fulfil its responsibility of ensuring the maintenance of international peace and security. Concrete language on Council reform in the Pact for the Future is an achievement that reflects the consensus among the Members of the United Nations. The values and principles that we adhered to 80 years ago remain the same. The purpose of the United Nations remains the same. The commitment of the European Union also remains the same. Our geopolitical context is changing, but the European Union can be counted on as the Organization’s most reliable, credible and predictable partner.

I thank Ms. Kallas for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank Ms. Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for her thorough and important briefing. As we meet today, the world continues to grapple with interconnected and multifaceted crises that demand a coordinated and multilateral response. The complexity of the challenge leaves no doubt about the need for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, as envisioned under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Algeria appreciates the ongoing efforts of the European Union (EU) to strengthen its partnership with the United Nations, particularly in addressing global peace and security challenges. In that regard, my delegation would like to stress the following. First, as an African nation that is deeply committed to the principles of multilateralism, Algeria recognizes the vital role of the European Union in promoting peace and security. The long-standing cooperation between the African Union and the European Union remains a cornerstone of our shared efforts to address conflicts and build sustainable peace. We welcome the continued support of the EU for African Union-led peace support operations. We urge the EU to maintain its endeavour as part of those critical initiatives for addressing security challenges in Africa. Secondly, Algeria remains deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and the endless suffering of Palestinian civilians. We commend the EU’s efforts to alleviate that suffering and its unwavering commitment to a lasting and just settlement of the Palestinian question in line with Last but not least, in Ukraine, EU-United Nations cooperation in the humanitarian field is vital to alleviating the tremendous suffering of civilian populations, in particular women and children. Equally important is the EU’s commitment and determination, which could help to end the war for good. In that regard, it is important to favour diplomacy and to help to create conditions conducive to inclusive and constructive dialogue between the parties aimed at achieving a negotiated solution to the conflict, based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the legitimate security concerns of all parties. The stalemate of the past three years has shown that lasting peace can be grounded only in genuine dialogue and negotiations.

I thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s important briefing on cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU). I also thank Her Excellency Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for her valuable briefing on the policy direction and priorities of the European Union. We welcome her appointment and look forward to deepened cooperation under her leadership. Today’s Security Council briefing underscores the commitment to strengthening partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, as outlined in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. That framework emphasizes the critical role that regional arrangements play in the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly in conflict prevention, mediation and peacekeeping. The importance of those partnerships is reiterated in the New Agenda for Peace and the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1), which call for deeper collaboration between the United Nations and regional organizations to address contemporary security challenges, while underlining that regional arrangements contribute context- specific expertise, early-warning capacities and political legitimacy to peace efforts, thereby complementing United Nations-led initiatives. Sierra Leone welcomes the continued strategic, multidimensional partnership between the United Nations and the EU, which has been pivotal in advancing shared global priorities, including our renewed commitment to future generations. The EU’s interventions, both within and beyond its region, have made a significant impact on advancing the three pillars of the United Nations. In the light of the security crises across the European continent, which have highlighted breaches of international law, including international humanitarian law, and deepening cultural and ethnic divides, as well as the challenges faced in the Chamber in addressing those issues effectively, we recognize the significance of today’s meeting. The multilateral system remains vital, as underscored by today’s affirmations. Sierra Leone is committed to working alongside the EU and its member States, including members of the Security Council, to advance our common agenda of ensuring that the global governance architecture remains fit for purpose, particularly regarding the reform of the Security Council. In that regard, we call for the EU’s concrete support in addressing the historical injustice and prioritizing Africa as a special case in the reform process, based on the Common African Position. Sierra Leone fully adheres to the principles outlined in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, recognizing the importance of regional arrangements in the maintenance of international peace and security. That is reflected in our consistent advocacy for United Nations support and financing for African Union (AU)-led peace support operations. In that regard, the full implementation of resolution 2719 (2023) is of the utmost importance, and we acknowledge the EU’s role in realizing that goal. The EU’s engagement in Africa, particularly in conflict prevention, peace support operations and post-conflict recovery, remains critical Sierra Leone commends the EU for its efforts in addressing significant challenges to peace and security in its region and beyond and its response to transnational security threats through Security Council-mandated missions, such as the European Union military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean. Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of those mandates. In these uncertain times, the reliability, sustainability and timely payment of contributions, including voluntary contributions, from the EU and its member States to the United Nations is crucial in enabling much-needed interventions in critical areas of need around the globe. That support is particularly essential as the devastating effects of armed conflict extend beyond immediate humanitarian relief and into post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, as well as peacebuilding, addressing the root causes of conflict and preventing societies from relapsing into violence. We also take this opportunity to reiterate our call for increased funding for humanitarian responses in crisis situations, including in the Sudan, South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. As part of its shared responsibility, Sierra Leone welcomes joint efforts in peacebuilding, including the establishment of the Group of Friends on Peacebuilding, co-chaired by the EU and the AU. That initiative supports the strategic objectives of the EU-AU Joint Vision for 2030. It is also important to note that the EU-United Nations strategic partnership on peace operations and crisis management has been effectively operationalized as a core component of the EU’s cohesive foreign and security policy, alongside innovative approaches to sustainable development. In conclusion, Sierra Leone re-echoes and reaffirms the aspirations of the sixty- ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, as reflected in the political declaration adopted yesterday, calling for acceleration of progress towards gender parity and women’s full, equal and meaningful participation across sectors, at all levels and in all stages of peace and development processes. The commitments in the political declaration capture the potential of an inclusive and cooperative rules-based system that supports the hopes and aspirations of people around the world. In addition, we recognize the EU’s role in addressing global challenges such as food insecurity, climate security and the youth, peace and security agenda, key priorities that align with our own national and multilateral efforts. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the EU and its member States in advancing those critical priorities for global peace and security.

I thank the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Kaja Kallas, for her statement, and warmly welcome her to our meeting. As we approach the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations, we all must recognize the importance of multilateralism, since no country can tackle today’s crises alone. In today’s uncertain and increasingly contested and dangerous world, we need anchors of peace and stability. We therefore need to reaffirm the role of the United Nations and the Charter of the United Nations as pillars of peace, security and development. The European Union’s contribution is pivotal in that regard. Its commitment to multilateralism is both political and financial in nature, as it ranges from defending the Charter of the United Nations, implementing the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1) and promoting sustainable development, as it is one of the United Nations biggest donors across the board. Steady in its commitment to international law and the Charter of the United Nations, Greece upholds the EU position and stands firm with regard to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Together with the EU, we condemn any breach of international peace and security against the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of any State. It is imperative that we all work towards an end to the destruction and suffering in Ukraine. The time for peace has come. But what is needed is not only a cessation of hostilities, but a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement through inclusive diplomacy based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law, as well as credible security guarantees that will prevent the recurrence of war. Europe must be at the table. Let me now turn to Gaza. As with all of the EU, Greece too reiterates its support for the ceasefire, giving reprieve to the people of Gaza and allowing Israeli hostages to return to their loved ones. Greece was proactive at last month’s EU- Israel Association Council and supports the discussion towards holding the high- level political dialogue with the Palestinian side next month, as well as consistent EU efforts for financial and institutional support to the Palestinian Authority, which needs to play a leading role in the political process towards a two-State solution. However, a grave humanitarian crisis is now unfolding. We therefore echo the Secretary-General’s call for the unimpeded and immediate flow of aid into the Gaza Strip. We are encouraged by the EU’s positive engagement with the Arab world, as demonstrated by the active participation of European Council President Costa at the recent Cairo summit. Post-conflict planning, including governance, security and reconstruction, is essential. In that context, the EU has a constructive role to play and an important voice to be heard. In Africa, all crises highlight the urgent need to protect civilians, uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and support fragile State institutions. In the Sudan, the continued clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have deepened the humanitarian crisis, displacing millions of people and destabilizing the country. The crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has triggered a dire humanitarian and human rights situation, aggravated by the unacceptable occupation of its eastern territories by the Mouvement du 23 mars. That necessitates stronger international cooperation, and the EU is a natural and trusted partner of the United Nations, not least in funding United Nations operations. Moreover, the Security Council must ensure that peacekeeping missions are adequately resourced, that their mandates are in line with the political context within which those missions will be deployed and that diplomatic efforts are redoubled to support African nations in their pursuit of stability and development. The EU — alongside the United Nations — has long supported African-led peace initiatives, including the African Union’s peacekeeping efforts, and will continue to do so in cooperation with other stakeholders.

I would like to begin by welcoming European Union (EU) High Representative Kaja Kallas and congratulating her on her first year in this vital role. We appreciate her comprehensive briefing today. The evolving global security landscape has significantly reshaped the strategic framework of several regions, including Europe, making today’s discussion both timely and essential. As challenges intensify, the core principles of the Charter of the United Nations and multilateralism face growing pressure. In that context, the strong partnership between the Security Council and the EU, under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, has become more critical than ever in advancing global peace and security. With that in mind, allow me to make the following points. First, regarding the EU’s role in global crisis management and peace operations, the EU currently leads 21 civilian and military international peace and security missions outside the EU  — including the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina ALTHEA and the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, on the Libyan arms embargo — which are authorized by the Security Council and complement the Council’s efforts to maintain international peace and security. In that regard, we take pride in the contributions of the Korean Navy’s Cheonghae Unit to the EU’s counter-piracy efforts through the European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA, off Somalia’s coast and in the Western Indian Ocean. Secondly, concerning the EU’s financial contributions to the United Nations system, the EU and its member States collectively remain among the largest financial contributors to the United Nations and the top donors to key agencies, funds and programmes, such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF. As we are all aware, the United Nations and its affiliated bodies have recently faced significant budgetary constraints, making the EU’s contributions even more vital. Thirdly, in relation to the cooperation between the EU and the Republic of Korea on key international issues, the Republic of Korea has worked closely with the EU and its member States on critical global matters, including the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict, especially as an elected member of the Security Council. Moreover, we highly value our close cooperation with the EU in addressing North Korea’s ongoing provocations and destabilizing actions. The Republic of Korea and the EU should remain united in reinforcing international efforts to counter any attempt to undermine the global non-proliferation regime and the long-standing goal of the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Likewise, the Republic of Korea has been a core partner in the EU’s efforts to lead the General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea since 2005. I would like to emphasize that the Security Council should also address the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea human rights situation on a regular basis. At the Group of 20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg last month, my Foreign Minister, Mr. Cho Tae-yul, and High Representative Kallas discussed the deepening relationship between the Republic of Korea and the EU and agreed to further enhance collaboration and continue consultations on the security and defence partnership between the Republic of Korea and the EU, which was adopted last year. As this year marks 15 years of the Korea-EU strategic partnership, the Republic of Korea and the EU have been consolidating bilateral ties, which are firmly rooted We are now entering a new international security environment. In these challenging and uncertain times, multilateralism must not be abandoned, and the EU is a model for effective regional multilateralism. We appreciate the significant and indispensable role of the European Union in sustaining and enhancing the United Nations system and multilateralism. As the United Nations approaches its eightieth anniversary, we look forward to renewed momentum in EU-United Nations cooperation. The Republic of Korea remains fully committed to supporting those efforts.

I thank High Representative Kallas for briefing us today. The United Kingdom welcomes the European Union’s (EU) ongoing commitment to championing multilateralism, tackling global challenges and assisting the Security Council’s work. With multiple crises threatening the foundations of international peace and security, cooperation between the EU and the United Nations is now more important than ever. Nowhere is this truer than in Ukraine. Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion, the EU continues its critical role in supporting Ukraine and countering Russian aggression. That includes an enhanced level of economic, humanitarian and military support to Ukraine and a willingness to further contribute to security guarantees. The United Kingdom will continue to work closely with the EU to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures its sovereignty and security. In the Western Balkans, the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue plays a vital role in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo, and the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to help provide stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Kingdom continues to support the region’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations as a driver for reform and economic growth. Beyond Europe, the United Kingdom welcomes the EU’s commitment to stabilization in the Middle East, including its efforts towards securing a two- State solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace. The EU’s Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point is a vital third-party presence, allowing individuals to access urgent medical care. The EU is also helping to support an inclusive political transition and economic recovery in Syria, and we welcome its recent suspension of sanctions to that end. The United Kingdom sees the EU as a valued partner for United Nations efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Sudan. We are pleased that it is among the co-hosts of April’s Foreign Minister-level discussions in London, which will foster consensus on ending the conflict and improving humanitarian access. We also welcome the EU’s commitment of €60 million in new humanitarian aid in response to the recent eruption of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Kingdom looks forward to continuing to build on the United Nations ambitious and cooperative relationship with the EU in order to promote responsible multilateralism and act as a force for good in the world.

At the outset, I would like to thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Kaja Kallas, for her statement. I would like to make three points. First of all, the European Union is striving with the United Nations for law to prevail over force. The European Union and its member States are rallying to defend and uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, My second point is that that commitment can be seen wherever the European Union and its member States are contributing to efforts to respond to crises and restore international peace and stability. In Africa, the European Union is providing considerable political and financial support to African Union operations and is deploying several training missions. In Somalia, we are committed to pursuing our efforts alongside the African Union as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia so as to complement the necessary support from the rest of the international community. In addition, with France and Germany, the European Union co-hosted the international humanitarian conference for the Sudan and neighbouring countries in Paris in April 2024. That conference raised €2 billion, nearly €900 million of which came from the European Union and its member States, to support the civilian population. In Gaza, to support the ceasefire, the European Union’s Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point, to which France contributes, is serving as a trusted third party at the border crossing. Moreover, on 14 February, a plane chartered by the European Union transported nearly 52 tons of humanitarian aid provided by France to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. In Syria, as the High Representative also pointed out, the European Union stands ready to support the authorities in Damascus with a view to securing a peaceful political transition in which all segments of Syrian society are represented in line with the principles set out in resolution 2254 (2015) and to rebuilding the country. In Lebanon, European Union member States are providing nearly a third of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s Blue Helmets and are stepping up their support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. In the Red Sea, Operation Aspides is helping to safeguard maritime security and the freedom of navigation. Off the coast of Libya, the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI is playing a significant role in enforcing the arms embargo introduced by the Council. The European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been playing a pivotal role since 2004 in bringing stability to the countries of the region within the framework of the Dayton-Paris Accords. In Afghanistan, through trusted partners, the European Union is providing aid aimed at supporting the most vulnerable communities, in particular women and girls. It has been consistent in its condemnation of the Taliban’s policy of segregation vis-à-vis women. In all those crises, the European Union and its member States are continuing their humanitarian support to communities in need, while supporting the quest for lasting political solutions. That is why the European Union is supporting the My third point is that the European Union has placed partnership with the United Nations at the heart of its international endeavours. We are galvanizing efforts to implement the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1) and to tackle together the major challenges of the day, in particular climate and environmental challenges, financing for development, support for the least developed countries, the digital transition and artificial intelligence. This year, a series of key dates will allow us to do so: the Nutrition for Growth Summit, to be held this month in Paris; the third United Nations Ocean Conference, to be held in Nice in June’ and the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Seville. As we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, I have not forgotten the thirtieth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held at the end of the year in Belém, which encapsulates climate ambition. In line with the Paris Pact for People and Planet, we reiterate that no country should have to choose between combating poverty and combating climate change. In conclusion, this United Nations-European Union partnership is also demonstrated by stable and regular funding for the United Nations. EU member States are the largest contributors to the regular budget and the third-largest contributors to the peacekeeping operations budget, and they pay their contributions in full and on time. I would also like to emphasize that the European Union and its member States account for nearly one third of all financial contributions to United Nations agencies, funds and programmes.

I welcome the High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Kaja Kallas, to the Council and express our appreciation for her valuable briefing. The current geopolitical landscape depends very much on the institutions that we built on the ashes of the Second World War. Be it this very Organization, which is about to mark its eightieth anniversary, or the European Union (EU), both were founded on the same aspiration: to ensure that the horrors of war never again define our shared future. Both institutions have proven their resilience and their relevance. They have been instrumental in the pursuit of the same goals: peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. With that in mind, I would like to highlight three key considerations for both organizations that relate to their work and to their cooperation. First, there is a need to maintain the spirit of multilateralism. We must uphold our core values — our commitment to peace and security, development and human rights. Today those principles not only provide moral guidance but also serve as the foundation of the international order. They enable States to build trust and to cooperate. The world is not standing still. On the contrary, it is constantly moving and evolving. With the rise of nationalism, populism and voices doubting international institutions, it is important to sometimes revisit the reasons that the United Nations and the EU were created and to remind ourselves that the same reasons still remain relevant today. Secondly, there is a responsibility to each and every citizen of the world. All human lives matter equally. From the armed conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Myanmar, Haiti, and Afghanistan, all humans deserve to live in peace. More than that, the interconnectedness of the world, with rapid technological advancement, brings conflicts closer, no matter where they occur; unfortunately, that is also the case because it is civilians who suffer the most. Owing to that same interconnectedness, the war in Ukraine is felt through Thirdly, there is a need to listen to voices from regions in which conflicts are taking place and, in particular, from the affected communities and States. In that sense, we are grateful to the High Representative for addressing the aggression against Ukraine. There will be no just and lasting peace in Ukraine unless Ukraine is seated at the negotiation table. The outcome of the peace talks will also determine the future of European security, and that cannot be decided without Europeans. Slovenia is supporting Ukraine on its path to the European Union, just as we continue to support any other European country that pursues its future in the European Union and is prepared to take the necessary steps. The journey is just as important as the destination. The path that is bringing those countries into the European Union is just as important as their accession. It requires considerable efforts to implement reforms and strengthen their institutions to achieve development, economic growth and peaceful coexistence with their neighbours. And, above all, it takes a commitment to common values of peace, freedom and democracy. In conclusion, let me once again reiterate that both the United Nations and the EU were born out of ideals of peace, unity and collaboration. We urge all Member States to reinforce their commitment to our shared values. We need to work together to ensure that future generations will continue to value dialogue and mutual understanding and to pursue common good over division and conflict.

Guyana welcomes the convening of this annual briefing on cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU) and the opportunity that it provides to take stock of the programme of cooperation between the two institutions and the future plans to expand that partnership. I welcome High Representative Kaja Kallas to this meeting and thank her for her insightful briefing. We commend the EU’s continued commitment to the United Nations and the multilateral system, as well as its contribution to peace and security. Guyana and the European Union share a strong partnership based on shared values, our commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the political independence of States. We value this important relationship and note that those very principles also underpin the EU’s partnership with the United Nations and the Security Council. We extend our appreciation for the EU’s efforts to enhance security and promote conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilization and for its efforts in peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes. We note in that regard that the EU is among the largest financial contributors to the United Nations system and United Nations peacekeeping missions. In addition to the EU’s continued humanitarian support for Gaza, we commend its role in the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two- State Solution. We also take note of the forthcoming ninth Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which is anticipated to focus on the challenges faced by refugees and displaced Syrians, including on articulating a clear strategy in support of the aspirations and the needs for protection of rights that many Syrians and civil society groups have expressed. Guyana also welcomes the EU’s support for the African Union (AU) peace support operations, including as envisaged in resolution 2719 (2023) and resolution 2767 (2024), which endorses the AU’s decision to replace the AU Transition Mission in Somalia with the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia. We also welcome the contribution announced by Ms. Kallas to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, and we note that it is currently being operationalized. Guyana recognizes the EU as the world’s leading donor of humanitarian assistance. We also note its consistent representation of prominent thematic issues, including climate change and the women and peace and security agenda. We will all agree that multilateralism is under threat, including because of rising geopolitical tensions. That hinders the ability of the United Nations to effectively address global challenges, such as conflicts, climate change and the reform of global institutions, among others, and it can also undermine the role of the United Nations as a mediator for peace. As outlined in the Charter, regional organizations have a critical role to play in international peace and security efforts, and increasingly, they have been assuming the role of first responder in various situations. Guyana therefore believes that enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations will become even more vital in realizing a world of greater peace and stability. The increasing risks posed by climate change to peace and security in specific contexts constitute an area for strengthened cooperation between the EU and the United Nations. Guyana views addressing climate security risks, including in relation to food insecurity, as an urgent objective. We welcome the EU’s collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme to address climate security risks, particularly through analysing the impact of climate change on security, developing early-warning systems and building resilience in vulnerable populations in Africa. Guyana believes that investing in development is also investing in conflict prevention. We recognize the EU’s leading role in the provision of development assistance and encourage its continued attention to the development needs of countries, with full consideration of their cultural and other local contexts. In conclusion, Guyana views the EU as a critical partner to the United Nations. That partnership must be strengthened as we maximize complementarity for a more peaceful and secure world.

I welcome Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and I thank the Danish presidency for convening today’s timely briefing. It is timely because the delicate and complex geopolitical context in which we find ourselves makes us reflect on the multilateral architecture and the essential need for cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations to be effective and to provide concrete solutions to the simultaneous humanitarian crises that affect millions of civilians on a daily basis, with thousands of lives lost through inaction. Panama identifies with the values that underpin the European Union, based on human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the promotion of human rights. Although the alignment of viewpoints between Panama and the European Union is very solid, our visions of the world are not identical and must be treated fairly and equitably so that that synergy is even more harmonious. We recognize the essential role that the European Union has played in upholding the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and in its efforts to promote collective security, as well as in its significant contribution to the financing of the United Nations system, in particular peacekeeping missions. Its valuable contribution to the work of peacekeeping missions reflects the spirit of international cooperation and respect for international law as fundamental pillars, reflected in the commitments reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1), to build a more secure future. Amid the convergence of humanitarian crises and wars at the global level, Panama remains part of the shared commitments on women and peace and security, which take on even greater relevance with the session of the Commission on the Status of Women this week and the twenty-fifth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) later this year. The resolution is the cornerstone of this agenda, which makes an urgent call on the embers of the Security Council not to omit from our position the particular situation of women in conflict and their key participation in mediation and peacebuilding. Within that framework of collaboration and mutual understanding, the relationship between the United Nations and the European Union reflects the power of multilateralism to address shared challenges and forge sustainable solutions, at a time when abuse, manipulation and disinformation threaten to destabilize the world order that was established after the bloody Second World War. We call on the international community to step up its efforts to support those processes, convinced that dialogue and cooperation are essential for the strengthening of peace and security at the global level.

Today’s discussion of the United Nations relations with the European Union (EU) and the role of the latter in international efforts to ensure peace and security is taking place in a special context. We can see that, by the beginning of 2025, the degradation of the EU from an economic project — designed to prevent a new war in Europe through cooperation among former opponents and enemies — into a political one, making every effort to sow hostility on our continent and provoke this war, was almost over. The once sensible integration club, which used to promote cooperation projects with Russia, has now finally turned into a fossilized and aggressive Russophobic bloc that has put its energy, economic, social and financial well-being at stake in a senseless confrontation with its eastern neighbour. Today it is more obvious than ever that the EU is rapidly losing that confrontation. Today we can also clearly point out the key miscalculations of the EU capital, Brussels, that led to this dire situation for the EU. In particular, I would like to refer to the latest large-scale EU enlargement of 2004, when, for political reasons, membership was granted to some States that did not fully meet the membership criteria established by the EU itself. As a result, the Poles, Balts and some other young European States suffering from an acute case of historical revanchism joined the EU with their Russophobic bats in the belfry. After more than 20 years, we regret to note that those bats have multiplied and have taken up residence in the minds of even those who not only have had Six years on, those efforts reached their apex with the 2014 anti-constitutional coup in Kyiv, which was produced and orchestrated by three EU countries — France, Germany and Poland. Those countries failed to deliver on the promises and guarantees they themselves had given to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, and neither did they insist on the radical opposition’s implementing the agreements reached with their help. Well, everybody knows what happened next. The nationalists who came to power launched a genuine war of extermination against the peaceful Russian-speaking inhabitants of Donbas, thereby causing an intra-Ukrainian armed conflict. It could have been stopped by the Minsk agreements, brokered by two EU members — Germany and France. However, as we now know very well from the avowals of the former leaders of those States, the Kyiv regime had no intention of implementing the Minsk agreements whatsoever, while Berlin and Paris, instead of pressuring Kyiv to do so, used the Minsk process solely as a smokescreen to arm Ukraine and prepare it for war with Russia. Seeing as the massacre of the Russian- speaking population, which claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people, not only did not stop but instead intensified significantly by February 2022, we were forced to launch a special military operation. After that, the EU’s Russophobia went through the roof. The EU refused cheap Russian energy, cutting off its nose to spite its face. It swallowed without protest the Nord Stream pipeline explosions and plunged its own economy into a deep crisis by imposing sanctions on Russia, which ended up harming the EU itself. The EU began banning Russian culture, taking things to absurd extremes — for instance, calling Russian artists Ukrainian artists — and went to great pains to fund the war in Ukraine in the futile hope that the Zelenskyy regime would succeed in defeating Russia militarily. When the new United States President proclaimed Washington’s new policy on a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, the EU became an apologist for war, completing its debasement. Today it spares no effort to thwart the United States- Russian dialogue on Ukraine. We need to look no further than the recent statement by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who said “Peace in Ukraine may be more dangerous than ongoing war.” There is no need to comment on that. Some countries today lament the fact that we have no dialogue with Europe. Indeed, Russia has had no dialogue with the EU for a long time, but that is not because we suspended such dialogue — the EU countries did that — but because today there is simply almost no one of sound mind left in Europe to whom we could talk. Today’s meeting illustrates that well — because the briefer we had today is an outspoken Russophobe, Ms. Kaya Kallas, the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. She is well known in Russia. We remember what she said when she was Prime Minister of Estonia — “Russia’s defeat is not a bad thing” and “it is not a bad thing if the big Power is actually much smaller.” In her new role, fantasizing about NATO membership for the strongest army in Europe, which is how she described the Ukrainian army, she had the audacity to state How should such immoral statements be received in my country, given that last year alone the number of civilians in Russia who suffered at the hands of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to almost 5,500 people, 809 of whom were killed? Some 347 children were among the casualties, and 51 children died. And earlier this year, when the village of Russkoye Porechnoye in the Kursk oblast was liberated, we discovered torture chambers in the basements of residential houses set up by the Ukrainian army. There we found the bodies of seven local people, mostly elderly persons — they had been tortured to death by the Ukrainian Nazis. This is not some theatrical performance like Bucha, which was staged by the Ukrainian authorities, where the Kyiv princeling takes Western guests on guided tours. These are real crimes. We have repeatedly exposed such cases, both in the Security Council and in other international forums. Just the other day, in that same village, several more bodies were found — people had died in a similar way. In the coming days, this mournful list is likely to become significantly longer, because the Ukrainian army today is fleeing the Kursk oblast like a bat out of hell, suffering huge losses, and the area of the liberated territories already covers tens of square kilometres. Today Russia experienced the largest attack by Ukrainian drones, which affected Moscow and the Moscow region — 337 drones were shot down, 91 of them above Moscow. People were killed and injured. Incidentally, that attack coincided with the visit to Moscow of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu. Apparently, the Kyiv regime wanted to show him its true terrorist colours. Ukrainian drones were aimed at civilian objects. We have repeatedly emphasized that the Russian armed forces are striking exclusively military targets or targets related to the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. We are not targeting residential areas or social infrastructure, unlike Ukraine’s deliberate attacks on civilian sites in Russia. How are we supposed to talk to interlocutors that have bitterly hated Russia for many years? Even before her appointment as EU High Representative, Ms. Kallas was directly involved in a years-long campaign aimed at squeezing out the Russian language from Estonia, even though Russian remains the mother tongue of a significant number of its inhabitants. As a result, approximately 5 per cent of Estonians are stateless, although that status is likely to be cancelled soon, and almost all educational opportunities in the Russian language have been eliminated. Estonia has been actively fighting dissent and the Estonian Orthodox Church. Nazis are openly strolling the streets, and monuments to Hitler’s accomplices are being erected in the country. Basically, when she goes to Ukraine or communicates with representatives of the Zelenskyy regime, Ms. Callas finds herself in an ideologically friendly environment. Of course, she is not bothered by the violations of the rights of the Russian-speaking population, or by the tens of thousands of political prisoners, the lack of political freedoms, draconian censorship and the persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. She is not bothered because she sees the same things at home, in Estonia. That is why she finds it absolutely normal to violate the rights of Russians and kill them. Can Council members fathom having even a hypothetical dialogue between Russia and the EU, if the EU is represented by politicians with such convictions? And it was in the EU that an electoral frontrunner was easily removed from a presidential race, without any convincing accusations, as happened in Romania. As for Russia, we stand ready to partake in mutually respectful dialogue with those European countries that are not guided by the paradigms of the  — I beg your pardon — Kallases and Von Der Leyens. We stand ready to cooperate with those States that pursue their national priorities and seek to establish a lasting and sustainable peace on the European continent based on respect for the positions and interests of all States, including Russia. The more States we have in Europe that do not share the Russophobic beliefs of Ms. Kallas and her ilk, the better the chance our common continent will have for peaceful and progressive development.

I take note of the statement and comments made by the representative of the Russian Federation. I would like to remind all members that this is a place of respect and decorum. We are here to discuss cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union. Council members are therefore reminded to refrain from comments of a personal or disrespectful nature.

I thank High Representative Kaja Kallas for her briefing and participation in today’s meeting. For the United Nations to accomplish its primary mission of promoting peace and stability, close cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, to uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, is essential. The United States is closely linked to Europe through shared values and common history. Our national story and our form of Government have their origin in the political philosophy that originated on the European continent. From that shared heritage, we derive our commitment to democracy, the freedom of expression, the rule of law, religious freedom, respect for individual rights and liberties and economic opportunity. The United States stands firmly behind those universal principles. The European Union (EU) plays an important role in international peace and security, both in Europe and beyond. The EU and the United Nations should cooperate to meet the challenge of preserving peace. For example, in the Western Balkans, the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina ALTHEA, supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of a multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina, as authorized by the Council. Given persistent threats to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity, we continue to look to EU leadership to ensure that the Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR-ALTHEA) is fully resourced so as to continue carrying out its mandate. We also welcome the EU’s support for regional peace and security through its Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the efforts to advance normalization between Serbia and Kosovo for the purposes of regional stability. The EU contributes to implementing the United Nations arms embargo on Libya through the EU Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, in accordance Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The United States appreciates its partnership with the EU on counter-terrorism efforts, including those aimed at encouraging effectiveness and results in the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture. As we sit here today, Europe’s greatest security challenge is the Russia-Ukraine war. Fifteen days ago, the Council adopted the landmark resolution 2774 (2025), put forward by the United States, calling for an end to the war. The United States, as President Trump has made clear, is committed to ending the war and achieving a durable peace. We are counting on Europe and the European Union to help facilitate and underwrite that peace. Once a durable peace has been achieved, it will be more urgent than ever for the EU and its member States, in this forum and others, to play a key role in providing security guarantees. Europe must be strong, resilient and self-sufficient, not just to ensure peace and security in Europe but also to be a true partner in ensuring international peace and security. We recognize the important role of European countries in welcoming millions of Ukrainian refugees and the leading contributions that they will make to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and security. Regional organizations that uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations can be a valuable resource for the United Nations, serving as a force multiplier that can magnify the impact of United Nations resources and achieve better outcomes. We encourage all Council members to continue to renew authorizations for the EU’s important work, including for EUFOR-ALTHEA and the EU Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI. We encourage the EU to continue working closely with the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, to promote peace and security for the European region and beyond.

I welcome the presence of Ms. Kallas, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and thank her for her briefing. Every year, the Security Council holds a dialogue on cooperation between the United Nations and the EU, in which China has always actively participated. At a time when the international security landscape is undergoing profound changes and facing many daunting challenges, the convening of this open meeting holds particular significance. China has always taken the view that the EU is an important pole in a multipolar world. The EU’s participation and leadership are crucial to maintaining the stability of the international system and to resolving major global issues. China is pleased to see cooperation between the United Nations and the EU and to see the EU playing an important role in United Nations affairs. First, we welcome the EU’s efforts to uphold and defend the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Doing so entails faithful adherence to the spirit of the Charter in its entirety, eschewing selective application and double standards. It entails strict compliance with international law and the universally recognized fundamental rules that govern international relations, rather than with the ambiguous so-called rules-based international order. Secondly, it is our hope that the EU will leverage the United Nations platform so as to actively engage in international cooperation and seek solutions to global challenges. We trust that the EU will be committed to working with all parties, in particular the countries of the global South, in promoting reform and improvements in global governance, thereby achieving joint progress under the banner of multilateralism. The principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs should be upheld. The social systems and paths to development that all Thirdly, we expect the EU to support the funding of the United Nations through concrete action. As the most economically developed group of countries with the highest income per capita, the EU should make a commensurate financial contribution to the United Nations. At a time when the United Nations is facing a liquidity crisis, we welcome the commitment that Ms. Kallas just made to United Nations funding. It is our hope that the EU will continue to scale up its humanitarian and development assistance in support of the work of the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies, while using its own resources to help developing countries accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. After dragging on for more than three years, the time for a negotiated settlement to the Ukrainian crisis has finally arrived. There can be no winners in conflict and no losers in peace. Negotiation seals the end of conflict and marks the beginning of peace. Despite their divergent positions, all parties share the desire for a just, lasting and binding peace agreement that they can all accept. That consensus is commendable and a goal to be jointly pursued. China welcomes and supports all efforts to seek peace. At the same time, we expect all parties and stakeholders to participate in the peace talks. As the war is taking place on its soil, Europe should play its part in promoting peace, in jointly tackling the root causes of the crisis and in building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework. Without peace in the Middle East, the world will not be stable. The question of Palestine has always been at the heart of the Middle East issue. The crux of the cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the fact that the two-State solution is only half- realized, with Israel having long since established a State, while a Palestinian State remains elusive. China commends the efforts of the EU and others to promote the implementation of the two-State solution and welcomes the EU’s positive response to the Gaza reconstruction plan adopted at the emergency summit of the League of Arab States. We expect the EU to continue playing its constructive role in supporting the reconstruction of Gaza and in alleviating the humanitarian disaster. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. China greatly values its relationship with the EU and supports European integration and the EU’s strategic autonomy. We have confidence in the EU and hope that it will become a reliable partner for China. China is ready to work with the EU and its member States to deepen cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral forums, to engage in true multilateralism and to jointly contribute to the maintenance of world peace, stability and prosperity.

I would begin by welcoming the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Kaja Callas, to the Security Council. I also thank her for her important briefing to the Council this morning. The world around us is undergoing monumental changes. It is facing challenges of peace, security, development, climate, terrorism, global instability, geopolitical confrontation, increasing geopolitical rivalries, rising security dilemmas, geoeconomic competition and continued environmental degradation. Those challenges are rapidly transforming the environment in which the Security Council and Member States operated previously. It is beyond doubt that those changes have — and will continue to have — far-reaching and intergenerational consequences that no country and no nation can escape or confront on its own. Those developments have added — and will add — to the complexity, uncertainty and unpredictability of the world that we face today. We have heard with attention All conflicts and disputes must be resolved in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations —applied universally and consistently. We welcome the EU’s continued support of the annual budget of the United Nations, including through voluntary contributions and the provision of necessary funding for United Nations agencies and programmes. We also welcome the European Union’s continued commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding activities. As a developing country, Pakistan also appreciates the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the reform of the international financial architecture and the provision of humanitarian assistance for people afflicted by catastrophes. And at a time when international development cooperation is under immense stress, the EU’s sustained support, including to United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, will be critical. We look forward to collaborating with the EU to secure a meaningful result at the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Spain. Pakistan and the European Union enjoy a robust, comprehensive and wide-ranging partnership. The EU as a unit is Pakistan’s largest trade and investment partner. The Generalized System of Preferences Plus regime has played an important role in the growth of Pakistan-EU trade and has served as a win-win model for economic cooperation. We welcome the Pakistan-EU strategic engagement plan signed in 2019, with structural dialogues that include the EU-Pakistan political dialogue and the Pakistan-EU Joint Commission meeting. We would welcome EU investments under the Global Gateway strategy in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, education, water, sanitation and disaster management, and we hope to explore opportunities through the Horizon Europe programme. In conclusion, we must  — all together  — reaffirm our commitment to international law, equality and a global order underpinned by the Charter to promote durable peace, sustainable development and inclusive growth.

At the outset, I would like to thank Her Excellency Ms. Kaja Kallas, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, for her briefing. Somalia recognizes the increasingly critical role that regional organizations play in the global security architecture, as guided under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. The complex challenges that we face in international peace and security are varied, multidimensional and interconnected, continuing to undermine political stability and socioeconomic development. We strongly believe that regional and subregional organizations are indispensable institutions in combating contemporary challenges to peace and security. The complementarity between the United Nations and regional arrangements strengthens our collective ability to address conflict situations and respond to emerging transnational threats, such as terrorism and organized crime. My delegation commends the EU’s commitment to multilateralism, the only viable path towards a rules-based international order. In addition, my delegation appreciates the EU’s consistent focus on peacebuilding and its anticipated leadership in launching a group of friends on peacebuilding, co-Chaired with the African Union (AU). The recent adoption of the EU-African Union Partnership Performance Acceleration Programme demonstrates both unions’ steadfast commitment to strengthening their diplomatic ties. That strategic initiative harmoniously aligns with the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063, the African Union’s comprehensive framework for continental transformation while silencing the guns. In that regard, my delegation commends the adoption, in December 2023, of resolution 2719 (2023), which opened the door to United Nations funding for African Union-led peace operations authorized by the Security Council. The technical and financial support of the EU for those AU-led missions and the implementation of that milestone resolution will be of critical importance for the African continent’s peace and security landscape. We believe that the continued partnership between the United Nations and the EU should be reinforced in several critical ways. First, support should be enhanced for African-led peace support operations and ongoing discussions on the use of United Nations assessed contributions for operations authorized by the Security Council. Secondly, prevention and peacebuilding should be prioritized by investing in initiatives that address the root causes of conflict, including sustainable development and economic empowerment. In that regard, we welcome the EU’s new consensus on the role of development cooperation, which has strengthened the nexus between security and development in a way that we hope will continue to have a transformative impact on fragile situations. In conclusion, we reiterate that the United Nations and the international community must make active use of efforts by regional and subregional organizations. The principles of national ownership and priority for regional leadership should remain the guiding pillars of our collective response to maintaining international peace and security. Somalia remains committed to working with the United Nations, the AU and the EU in pursuit of sustainable peace, security and development, not only in the Horn of Africa, but across the entire continent and beyond.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Denmark. I thank High Representative Kallas for her briefing. Eighty years ago, our forebears committed to saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war. They did so with the recognition that achieving peace and security is a collective endeavour and requires global and regional cooperation. That is why they dedicated a whole Chapter of the Charter of the United Nations to the crucial role of regional organizations in the maintenance of peace and security. Today that role remains as vital as ever, as Europe faces the greatest threat to its security in decades. Against that backdrop, Denmark warmly welcomes today’s meeting on the cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU). Denmark is firmly committed to both organizations. We have worked for, and supported, the long-standing and growing partnership between them and will continue to do so. As we heard during this meeting, a firm belief in multilateralism and strong dedication to international law are the cornerstones of the EU’s actions. Quite frankly, that is our DNA. It is what makes the EU such a strong and natural partner The first area is crisis management. Both the United Nations and the European Union are committed to working in an integrated, coherent and inclusive manner to advance sustainable peace and prevent conflict. As violent conflicts become increasingly complex, the need for closer cooperation and continuous dialogue between the EU and United Nations has become even more necessary. That is particularly evident when EU missions are deployed alongside United Nations-led or supported missions in several countries, including Somalia, Libya and the Central African Republic. The second is upholding international law. The European Union is founded on an international order based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law — so much so that respect for those principles is written into our Treaty on the European Union. Today even those most fundamental principles are under attack — principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Denmark welcomes, and is proud to be part of, the EU’s unwavering support for those principles, which underpin the EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression and blatant disregard for international law. Those principles underline the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is key to upholding a world order in which might does not make right. In conclusion, we believe that the Security Council should welcome, encourage and build on this cooperation. We should utilize the EU’s value-add wherever we can. We should be ambitious in taking the EU-United Nations partnership for peace and security to the next level. As a proud member of both organizations, Denmark is firmly committed to this partnership. Both organizations can count on our unwavering support. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to Ms. Kallas to respond to the comments and questions raised. Ms. Kallas: I thank the members of the Security Council for this very interesting debate. I have a few comments. First, regarding multilateralism, the United Nations was established after the Second World War so that there would be no more wars. The Charter of the United Nations is therefore a really good document, based on the universal principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity  — everything that protects countries. We had a President who said that international law is really a nuclear weapon for small States, and, as Paul-Henri Spaak said, there are only two types of States in the world — the small States and those countries that have not realized that they are small States. I think that it is in everybody’s interest that international law be followed. As many speakers stressed, those are also the fundamental principles of the European Union. The European Union is also a peace project. We still have wars in the world, so we should ask why that is so and what international law is really lacking. I think that one of the elements is accountability. The Charter of the United Nations is a very good document with very good principles, but what happens if somebody The European Union is a good project, and, as enlargement was mentioned, I am very happy to say that there are many countries that want to join the European Union. It is a good organization and a good example of multilateral cooperation. We know that multilateralism is not always easy. We have 27 countries in the European Union. We must reach decisions, and that also applies to the United Nations. I think that it is important that we do reach decisions. Some members mentioned nuclear proliferation. Again, I think that international law is extremely important, as is following the Charter of the United Nations, because if that is not the umbrella that protects all countries, then all those countries that are afraid of their neighbours will want to have a nuclear weapon, because that is the only tool that protects them from the attacks of their neighbour countries. And all the countries that have an appetite for their neighbours’ territories will want to have a nuclear weapon, because threatening with nuclear weapons gets them what they want. I do not think that we want to live in such a world. Regarding maritime safety, I think that what was pointed out by the representative of Panama is a very important point. I think that we should develop international law further when it comes to maritime safety, because the world has changed. In the maritime area, we now have cables under the sea, so we also have new risks, and those risks can have very big impact. I am very much looking forward to cooperating also with members of the Council in terms of developing international law even further. It is a very important point. Regarding Gaza, the European Union just held an Association Council with Israel, pointing out those issues that were raised today. We will also have a high-level political dialogue with Palestine, and as I said in my statement, we are supporting the two-State solution. In order to have the two States, we must also support the Palestinians and the Palestinian State so that there will be a more equal share there. I think that it is extremely important for us to work together with regional and international actors to achieve that, because it is for stability and peace in the Middle East. Listening to the Russian representative, I must say that I once again reiterate how much we must fight against misinformation and do so all together, because it was a good illustration of rewriting history and presenting all those lies. And of course, I do not have time to correct them all here. But I think it is important that we work together in the fight against misinformation because that is important. Phobia means fear, and if we take phobia to mean fear, then the question is why are countries afraid of Russia? If we look at the list that Russia has attacked — in the 1940s, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland; and in the 2000s, Georgia, Chechnya, Syria, Crimea and Donbass in Ukraine — none of those countries has ever attacked Russia. Therefore, it is clear that countries neighbouring Russia are afraid of Russia because it continues to attack them, and those fears are not groundless. I think it is extremely important that we uphold the Charter of the United Nations, which says that we have to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries, because that is the only thing that protects all of those countries. On peace, of course everybody wants peace. I do not know anybody who wants peace more than the Ukrainians, because they are being constantly bombarded in Ukraine. Also, Europe is a peace project. We really want peace. But we also want that peace to last, and we also want the human suffering to end. There are examples in which even if there is peace, when it is in occupied territories then it does not mean that human suffering will stop. After the Second World War, there was peace, but there were mass deportations of people and there was the suppression of language Therefore, we are working for peace that lasts. We are working for human suffering to stop, whether it comes to Ukraine or Gaza or the conflicts we have in Africa. I think that is what we need to work for. In conclusion, I believe that, despite all the problems, a fair and functioning multilateral system is the only way to a peaceful, just and sustainable world. As I stressed in my statement, the European Union is willing to do its share. And we are willing to work with all the countries that respect the Charter of the United Nations and all the principles and values set out in the Charter. I thank the Council once again for this very interesting exchange.

I thank Ms. Kallas for the clarifications she provided. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I was not going to take the floor, even though I could have taken the floor on a point of order. First of all, I do not recall anyone asking Ms. Kallas any questions that she had to answer. Also, I think you know, Madam President, as President of the Council — and if you do not, let me remind you — that a Security Council briefing is not supposed to be an interactive dialogue with the briefers. At least, I do not recall such a practice in my time here. But what I do recall is that your colleagues that are members of the European Union have tried to stop briefers who were asked questions and who wanted to give answers. They were not given the opportunity to do so. Open meetings of the Security Council are not supposed to involve any dialogue with the briefers. The briefers are supposed to speak and to listen to our statements. If they disagree with anything that delegations say, they can turn to the media and voice their views there. But I do not want to get into a polemic with Ms. Kallas now — I said everything that I wanted to say in my statement. However, I would like to address you, Madam President, as you have reproached us for making allegedly inappropriate remarks. I want to draw your attention to the fact that Ms. Kallas represents the European Union here, and when we mentioned her name, we did not speak of her as a person, but we spoke of her as a representative of the European Union, quoting what she said, straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. That is why your comments that you consider our remarks inappropriate we, in turn, deem inappropriate.

The representative of France has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I must say that we have had a highly useful debate, highlighting all areas of cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, and that almost every — all except one — Council member said basically the same thing. We heard a lot of useful contributions from non-European Member States regarding that cooperation. Therefore, we have had a very fruitful debate in that sense. Without belabouring the point, I think that the ad hominem attacks that we saw are not in line with the Security Council’s working methods and can only be condemned. Acrimonious remarks and often deliberately false accusations should not be further publicized in this platform.