HAMILTON, Canada
The European Union reiterated its support Tuesday for the UN and called for reforms to the Security Council, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and effective multilateral system.
"Let's be clear: this war can end instantly if Russia – the only one responsible – withdraws its troops and stops bombing Ukraine," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, referring to Russia's war on Ukraine, at a UN Security Council session.
Kallas noted that the EU remains committed to international law, humanitarian aid, and multilateral diplomacy amid escalating global crises.
She also criticized Russia for violating the UN Charter and undermining international peace and security.
"We cannot allow one member state to dismantle the principles that have held the international order together," Kallas said, adding: "Europe has learnt from its own history that giving in to aggressors’ demands leads to more violence."
Highlighting the growing need for Security Council reforms, Kallas emphasized the importance of making the body more representative and responsive to global challenges.
"The Security Council must reflect the world of today, not of 1945," she said, stressing that African, Latin American, and Asian countries should have stronger representation in the council.
She further pledged the EU's continued support for humanitarian assistance worldwide, calling for enhanced international cooperation to address global challenges, including conflicts, climate change, and forced displacement.
The EU's call for Security Council reform comes amid ongoing criticism of the body's failure to prevent or resolve major conflicts, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
"The international community must not stand idly by in the face of clear violations of international law," Kallas said.