MEPs rally behind UN in firm support for multilateral world order

Ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, MEPs reaffirm the essential role of multilateral organisations for conflict resolution and responding to major global challenges.

Ahead of the upcoming United Nations (UN) gathering in September 2026, MEPs have outlined their vision for how the European Union should continue to help shape the UN multilateral framework in a set of recommendations adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. In the text, the MEPs outline their firm support for effective multilateralism, strong global governance and respect for and fulfilment of universal human rights. While noting with concern attempts by different actors to undermine the UN’s legitimacy and governance structures, and politicise the functioning of its bodies, they stress that a stable, reliable and equitable multilateral system and multilateral forums like the UN are essential to guarantee peace and security against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, and must therefore be part of the EU’s security architecture. At a time when other global actors, in particular traditional EU allies, are disengaging, they also call on the European Union to assume greater responsibility to support, finance and strengthen multilateral organisations, including the UN.

Reform of the UN and a permanent seat for the EU on the UN Security Council

In their recommendations, the MEPs also advocate ambitious reform of the UN system, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), which is all too often paralysed by vetoes from its permanent members. Such reform, they say, should seek to make the UNSC more effective and inclusive, and make it reflect today’s global realities more closely. It should also limit vetoes blocking essential UN action, notably in cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The MEPs say that Russia has lost its moral legitimacy as a permanent member of the UNSC by flagrantly breaching the UN Charter, not least by waging war on Ukraine. They also urge the EU to work towards securing a permanent seat on the UNSC, in addition to the seat already held by France, in a future consensual reform of that body.

When it comes to overall UN reform, the MEPs want the EU to collaborate with UN member states, the UN system and the UN Secretary-General to advance the "UN80" reform agenda and the UN80 action plan.

MEPs voice support for international courts

The text calls on the EU to step up its efforts and fully support the independence and impartiality of other international bodies, notably the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. These institutions, MEPs say, are essential when it comes to upholding the Rome Statute, with the orders of the International Court of Justice binding in nature. They also deplore the unprecedented threats, amongst others by the United States, faced by the International Criminal Court and call for the activation, effective application and strengthening of the EU “blocking statute” to protect the independence and functioning of these judicial bodies.

The text was approved by 52 votes in favour and 18 against, with 2 abstentions.

Quote

“For the first time since 2021, the European Parliament has adopted a recommendation for the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly. This recommendation marks an important step in restoring Parliament’s role in shaping EU positions within the UN framework. At a time of growing geopolitical instability, we stress the urgent need for meaningful UN reform and reaffirm our strong commitment to effective multilateralism”, said rapporteur Andrey Kovatchev (EPP, Bulgaria).

Next steps

The report will now be put to a vote in the European Parliament as a whole.

Background

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly will open on 8 September 2026 in New York.