EU priorities at the United Nations
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EU priorities at UNGA81: Standing up for effective multilateralism
On 13 July 2026, the Council adopted Conclusions setting out the European Union's priorities at the United Nations for the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (September 2026 – September 2027).
The EU firmly believes that it is in the collective and individual interest of all to ensure respect for international law and the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of all States, to commit to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to invest in international cooperation. At a time of growing fragmentation, contestation and serious violations of international law, the EU and its Member States remain steadfast in their commitment to an effective multilateral system, based on international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
The EU will remain a predictable and credible partner, working with partners and across regions to defend and uphold international law and to find global solutions to common challenges, including through the implementation of the Pact for the Future.
In a changing world, the multilateral system must continue to evolve. The EU also stands ready to engage with partners in advancing the UN80 reform initiative towards a more effective, cost-efficient and responsive United Nations that is fit to address today's and tomorrow's challenges.
Four priorities will guide EU action at the UN this year:
I. Defend and develop an efficient, effective and inclusive multilateral system firmly rooted in the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law
II. Advance reforms towards an effective, cost-efficient and responsive UN in all three pillars through partnerships and coalitions
III. Strengthen the UN peace and security architecture based on prevention and sustaining peace
IV. Advance prosperity and sustainable development towards 2030 and beyond
EU participation at the United Nations
The UN General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. All 193 UN Member States are members of the General Assembly and have an equal vote. The EU has enhanced observer status. This allows the EU to intervene in debates, submit proposals and take part in negotiations, and participate in the general debate each September. The EU’s special status does not include the right to vote, but the EU coordinates among its 27 Member States to present unified positions. The EU also coordinates its voting within the UN General Assembly’s six Main Committees, as well as other bodies such as the Economic and Social Council. The GA has taken a more prominent role in recent years on peace and security matters.
The UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is composed of five permanent members and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. Currently, there are four EU Member States on the Security Council. France as a permanent member, and Slovenia (2024-2025), Denmark (2025-2026) and Greece (2025-2026). Latvia has been elected for the period 2026-2027. EU law obliges EU members of the Security Council to act in unison, promoting and defending the positions and the interests of the Union.
UN reform and increased efficiency
As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, the EU actively supports the UN80 initiative, launched by the UN Secretary-General to enhance efficiency, improve mandate delivery, and undertake strategic reforms, as confirmed by EU leaders in March 2025 (Council Conclusions, 20 March 2025). The EU sees this as a timely and necessary process to strengthen the UN’s ability to respond to today’s global challenges and to deliver more effectively, transparently and accountably.
As the largest collective financial contributor to the UN, the EU plays a constructive role in supporting a stronger, more agile and resilient organisation. The EU views the UN80 initiative as a unique opportunity to advance structural efficiencies, refocus the UN on its core mandates, and rebuild global trust in multilateralism.
The EU also supports broader reform efforts, including the Pact for the Future, and will continue to work with the UN and all partners to ensure a coherent, inclusive and forward-looking multilateral system fit for the 21st century.