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EU Statement – UN General Assembly: Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal Resolution

19.11.2025
New York

19 November 2025, New York – General statement on behalf of the EU and its Member States delivered by H.E. Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the European Union Delegation to the UN, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal Resolution

Madam/Mister President,

I deliver these remarks on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina*, the potential candidate country Georgia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.


 

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

I express my sincere appreciation to the facilitators, Ms. Daniela Tonon and Mr. Ernesto Cicchitelli of Italy and all participating delegations for their dedication to these important negotiations.

The European Union stands united in endorsing and fully supporting the adoption of this resolution by consensus under the leadership of Italy and in cooperation with all co-sponsors. The Olympic Truce, echoing the ancient Greek tradition of Ekecheiria, serves as a powerful symbol of our collective commitment to peace, unity, and understanding among nations during the period of the Olympic Games and embodies values that lie at the heart of the European project — peace, solidarity, dialogue, and human dignity.

At a time when wars continue to cause immense suffering, and when trust in international cooperation is being tested, this Resolution serves as a powerful reminder that collective challenges require global unity.

The EU fully supports the objectives of the Olympic Truce:

  • To safeguard the neutrality and inclusivity of sport;

  • To promote humanitarian access and protection during conflict; 

  • And to reaffirm that peaceful competition and cooperation are possible among nations.

For more than thirty years, this initiative has linked the ideals of the ancient Olympic Games with the modern pursuit of peace. 

We acknowledges the commendable merits of the Olympic Ideal resolution and its potential to foster international cooperation, encourage dialogue, and mitigate conflicts during this prestigious global event. As a group that upholds the values of diplomacy, collaboration, and peaceful coexistence, the EU firmly believe that the Olympic Truce aligns seamlessly with our dedication to a world where differences are resolved through open dialogue and mutual understanding.

Thus, the EU stands ready to work with the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee, and the International Olympic Truce Centre to bring these values into education, youth engagement, and conflict prevention.

The European Union also welcomes the return of the Games to Europe throughout the decade, from Paris 2024, to Milan-Cortina 2026 and the French Alps 2030, which gives us the opportunity to reflect our shared values with the Olympic movement.

As we look ahead to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, we extend our best wishes to the Government of Italy in their preparations. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to all the athletes who will participate in the Games, hoping for their success and a celebration of global unity. The European Union and its Member States call on all nations to make the Truce a living reality — in word, in spirit, and in action. 

Sport unites us. Let us seize that unity to build a more peaceful and humane world.

Thank you.


 

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.