EU Statement – UN General Assembly: Informal meeting of the General Committee
- As delivered -
Introduction
Madam President, Excellencies, colleagues,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
At the outset, allow me to thank you for convening this informal meeting and for your leadership in advancing the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of the work of the United Nations General Assembly. The European Union remains strongly committed to the revitalization of the General Assembly and to strengthening its role as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations.
We attach particular importance to the coordinating and steering role of the General Committee. In line with the resolutions on revitalization, the General Committee should play a proactive role throughout the session to ensure better planning, coherence and predictability.
- Time management and speaking limits
Regarding speaking time limits, the European Union welcomes efforts, including by you, Madam President, to ensure consistent and fair time management and supports initiatives in this regard. Resolution 79/327, urging delegations to limit their explanations of vote, provides a useful precedent for other aspects of our work.
Time discipline strengthens the sovereign equality of Member States by ensuring that all delegations, including smaller ones, can attend meetings in their entirety, take the floor when they wish, and receive the attention each statement deserves. Predictability in meeting duration contributes to orderly, inclusive and transparent proceedings. As an example, this was the practical outcome during the Secretary-General’s briefing on his priorities this year and there are practical ways to help delegations be part of responsible time management. For instance, by introducing a countdown clock or flashing microphone for the benefit of speakers.
In the broader context of ongoing UN reform discussions, including the UN80 Initiative and financial sustainability, effective time management increases efficiency. It reduces the burden on conference services and interpretation, ensures meetings can be completed on schedule, and frees space for interactive formats, which often enhance the quality and impact of our exchanges.
- Mandated meetings during the High-Level Week
On the number of high-level meetings during high-level week, we share the concern over their growing number and support a structured, forward-looking approach. The European Union recalls the importance of implementing existing mandates in a balanced and pragmatic manner, including the ceiling established in resolution 79/327. A more focused and realistic scheduling of high-level meetings strengthens political impact, visibility and inclusiveness. An overcrowded high-level week risks fragmenting attention, reducing participation, and placing a disproportionate burden on smaller and resource-constrained delegations.
Should it not be possible for the upcoming High-Level Week, we could consider ways to prevent such situations in the future. As is done for Program Budget Implications, the Secretariat and presiding officer could call the attention of the Assembly before considering a text mandating a high-level meeting more than the maximum established by Resolution 79/327.
Conclusion
This discussion is part of the wider revitalization agenda, and we reiterate the importance of fully implementing resolution 79/327. The General Assembly must continue to evolve to remain relevant, responsive, and capable of addressing today’s global challenges.
The European Union stands ready to engage constructively with you and with all delegations to identify practical solutions and advance the collective goal of a stronger and more effective General Assembly.
I thank you.