EU Statement -- UN General Assembly: Joint debate item 120 & 121 (GA Revitalization)

Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The European Union attaches great importance to the full and effective implementation of General Assembly resolutions and to the revitalization of the work of this body. We view these efforts as essential to ensuring that the General Assembly remains an efficient, transparent, and credible pillar of multilateralism, capable of responding to the complex challenges facing the United Nations and the international community.

The European Union welcomes the progress made at the outset of the 80th session in implementing commitments across the Main Committees, as outlined in Resolution 79/327. GA Revitalization remains central to UN80 and closely linked to its work. We look forward to seeing how synergies develop between this process and the ongoing efforts across the three UN80 workstreams. We encourage active engagement between the Bureaus and the Informal Ad Hoc Working Group on the Mandate Implementation Review.

Nous attendons également avec intérêt la mise en œuvre du texte convenu sur le cluster trois de la résolution 79/327 concernant la sélection et la nomination du Secrétaire général. Il s’agira d’une étape importante de la 80ᵉ session et devrait contribuer à un processus plus transparent et inclusif, conformément à l’article 97 de la Charte.

Président,

Permettez-moi de résumer brièvement le travail des grandes commissions:

Première Commission: A terminé ses travaux avant le calendrier prévu, malgré une réduction du nombre de réunions et une augmentation des interventions, démontrant que la rationalisation est possible. De nouvelles limites de temps, une gestion efficace du temps et des innovations organisationnelles — telles que la communication écrite à la session de l’identité des États demandant un vote — se sont révélées essentielles.

Deuxième Commission: La revitalisation demeure essentielle pour renforcer l’efficacité et garantir la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2030. L’inaction et les efforts fragmentés menacent les progrès relatifs aux Objectifs de développement durable. Nous ne pouvons pas nous permettre de perdre du temps — cette Comission doit être un moteur d’efficacité, de cohérence et d’impact. Il conviendrait d’examiner le nombre et le calendrier des résolutions afin que l’agenda reflète les priorités partagées et maximise l’impact.

We also look forward to the implementation of the agreed language on cluster three of resolution 79/327 concerning the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General. This will be an important milestone of the 80th session and should contribute to a more transparent and inclusive process, in line with Article 97 of the Charter.

Chair,

Allow me to briefly summarize the work of the Main Committees:

First Committee: Completed work ahead of schedule despite fewer meetings and more statements, demonstrating that streamlining is possible. New time limits, effective time management, and organizational innovations — such as disclosing the identity of States requesting votes in writing — proved essential.

Second Committee: Revitalization remains vital to strengthen effectiveness and ensure delivery on Agenda 2030. Inaction and fragmented efforts threaten progress on the SDGs. We cannot afford to lose momentum — this Committee must drive efficiency, coherence, and impact. Consideration should be given to the number and timing of resolutions to reflect shared priorities and maximize impact.

Tercera Comisión: La reducción del tiempo de reuniones se gestionó de manera eficiente combinando debates generales, lo que permitió liberar aproximadamente 15 horas. Felicitamos este enfoque innovador y alentamos su continuación, junto con medidas como la reducción de la extensión y la periodicidad de las resoluciones.

Cuarta Comisión: La comunicación de cambios en el programa de trabajo a través de e-delegates mejoró la transparencia y la previsibilidad. Comenzar los trabajos sustantivos de inmediato y utilizar un programa de trabajo en formato de tabla mejoró el uso del tiempo y la calidad de las discusiones.

Quinta Comisión: La revitalización es oportuna y necesaria. El programa de trabajo actual no refleja plenamente el alcance y la complejidad de las actividades del Comité. Es necesario un análisis sistemático de las causas que subyacen a las repetidas extensiones y la pérdida de tiempo en las sesiones reanudadas. La racionalización y la mejora de los métodos de trabajo contribuirían a aumentar la previsibilidad y la eficiencia, incluida la eficiencia en los costes.

Sexta Comisión: Propusimos simplificar la resolución “Informe del Comité Especial de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas y del fortalecimiento del papel de la Organización” condensando 13 párrafos preambulares, que recuerdan informes y resoluciones anteriores que datan de 1995, en una sola referencia. Aunque las discusiones continúan, esto ilustra los beneficios de acortar los documentos, mejorar su legibilidad y seleccionar únicamente las referencias relevantes.

En conclusión, no debemos optar por la vía fácil de las prórrogas técnicas, sino evaluar críticamente cada párrafo y referencia, y eliminar los elementos desactualizados.

Third Committee: Reduced meeting time was managed efficiently by combining general debates, freeing approximately 15 hours. We commend this innovative approach and encourage its continuation, alongside measures like reducing the length and periodicity of resolutions.

Fourth Committee: Communicating changes to the Programme of Work via e-Delegates enhanced transparency and predictability. Starting substantive work immediately and using a table-format Programme of Work improved time use and discussion quality.

Fifth Committee: Revitalization is timely and necessary. The current Programme of Work does not fully reflect the Committee’s scope and complexity. Systematic review of causes behind repeated extensions and lost time in resumed sessions is needed. Rationalization and enhanced working methods would improve predictability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Sixth Committee: We proposed streamlining the resolution “Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization” by condensing 13 preambular paragraphs, which recall earlier reports, and resolutions, going back as far as 1995, into a single reference. While discussions continue, this illustrates the benefits of shortening products, improving readability, and selecting only relevant references.

In conclusion, we shouldn’t go the easy way of technical roll-overs, but instead critically assess each paragraph and reference, and delete outdated elements.

Chair,

Revitalization is a continuous effort that requires institutional adjustments, political will, and accountability. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement for a more effective, transparent, and inclusive General Assembly. We stand ready to contribute to discussions that ensure the UN’s deliberative bodies remain efficient, credible, and responsive to the needs of the international community.

I thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.