EU Statement – UN Security Council: Strengthening the Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

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Chair,

I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the EU and its Member States.

As new and unsolved crises in the world multiply, the EU reiterates its commitment to the rules-based international order, with the UN at its core, as a key element of sustaining peace.

Let me recall that the European Union is a peace project in itself. The principle of peaceful dispute settlement is our foundation, enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union and committing Member States to promote global peace and conflict resolution without the threat or use of force. Our own decades-long experience demonstrates the effectiveness of institutionalized dispute settlement mechanisms.

We strongly believe that a culture of prevention requires sustained investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding. These efforts help build resilient institutions and create conditions for lasting peace.

The UN is the EU's most important partner in peace mediation. We continuously support UN mediation efforts on the ground, including for example financial and political support for the UN Special Envoys and their mediation efforts in Libya, Syria and Yemen. In addition, regional cooperation remains crucial. We have a mediation partnerships with the African Union, Switzerland and Norway, among others. With our Member States, we have revived the EU Group of Friends of Mediation chaired by Finland and Spain.

Furthermore, we enable insider mediation through a programme implemented by UNDP, focussing on the role of individuals from conflict affected communities in building trust and facilitating dialogue. This partnership has contributed to the creation of local mediation capacities across 14 countries.

I want to stress the importance of the full, equal and meaningful engagement of women in peace processes. The UN Common Pledge initiative, which the EU signed last year, is a key mechanism to this end. Similarly, young people play a key role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Dialogue and mediation efforts must ensure their participation.

Diplomacy remains crucial to resolve conflicts. The EU has been supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and a lasting peace in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. We support the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, including by redeploying the EU civilian mission to Rafah. We support coordinated mediation efforts under the leadership of the UN, AU, and IGAD in the conflict in Sudan. Also regarding the Strait of Hormuz we encourage a peaceful resolution.

The importance of a sustained UN-led process is equally evident in Cyprus. The EU reiterates its full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, for the resumption of negotiations, towards a comprehensive settlement, in accordance with all relevant UNSC resolutions.

Overall, we call for a stronger UN involvement in mediation processes and stand ready to deepen our collaboration. The use of all mechanisms available under the Charter in all stages of the conflict cycle, is essential. It is particularly important that conflict prevention remains a priority focus for the next Secretary General.

Last but not least: let me stress that this forum, the UN Security Council should remain at the core of promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes.

I thank you.