EU steps up support for the United Nations with new commitments
Against a backdrop of intensifying conflicts, climate-related disasters, economic disruption and growing humanitarian needs, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and effective multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core.
“The EU remains committed to working with the United Nations to deliver concrete results for people and communities around the world. And in these challenging times, progress is best achieved through strong strategic partnerships,” said Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships. “We need stronger cooperation, more effective coordination and smarter use of resources to maximise our impact. And that is something we need to work on together.”
The EU and its Member States are the largest contributors to the UN system. Through its Global Gateway strategy, the EU has mobilised more than €306 billion towards the SDGs since 2021, with the objective of reaching more than €400 billion by 2027. Around 250 Global Gateway initiatives are currently being implemented with partner countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The EU is also strengthening its support for UN coordination at country level. It will provide a €14 million contribution to the UN Resident Coordinator system for 2026–2027, supporting efforts to bring governments, development partners, investors and UN entities together around national priorities.
The new contribution complements the EU’s support to the UN Joint SDG Fund. The EU contributed €30 million between 2019 and 2022 and a further €30 million for 2023–2026, supporting countries in developing financing frameworks, investment packages and digital investments.
The EU is also reinforcing its support for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The EU reaffirmed its support for the independence of the Office and its role in advancing global human rights standards. After signing a contract of more than €16 million in 2025, the EU is providing an additional €3 million to support the Office’s work to combat impunity.
In addition, the EU and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have signed a €50 million EFSD+ Guarantee Agreement for a new Guarantee Facility for Sustainable Cities. The facility will use guarantees to help mobilise financing for transformative infrastructure projects in cities and municipalities, with a focus on sustainable development and climate resilience.
These commitments come as the UN80 reform process seeks to strengthen the effectiveness and coherence of UN action.
By combining financial support, strategic partnerships and innovative financing, the EU is reinforcing its commitment to a United Nations that can respond effectively to global challenges and deliver greater impact on the ground.