Speech by President of the European Council António Costa at the 80th United Nations General Assembly

The world faces a crucial choice. Do we want a rules-based international order, that upholds multilateralism and the United Nations Charter? Or a chaotic world based on unilateralism, violence, and disruption?

The European Union knows where it stands. We are a project of peace, of reconciliation, of social justice. We are — and will remain — a steadfast defender of multilateralism, of the rules-based international order, and of the United Nations Charter.

The alternative to the international rules-based international order is a chaotic and violent world. As seen in Sudan, an underreported and devastating conflict with destruction of huge proportions. As seen in Gaza. As seen in Ukraine. 

In Gaza. Where we witness an unimaginable suffering. Children starving. Families shattered. A humanitarian catastrophe that shocks the world’s conscience. The use of starvation as a weapon of war is immoral. One that defies words.

The European Union condemns terrorism in all its forms. The horrific attacks by Hamas cannot be forgotten. We stand with Israel’s right to security. Every country, every people, have the right to live in security. The hostages must be released immediately.

The Palestinian people have also the same right to security and to live in a viable state. A negotiated two-State solution is the only path to peace. Security for both peoples. Dignity for both peoples. This is the solution we seek.

The European Union has been an indispensable partner in the region. We are the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. European funding has kept hospitals, schools, and institutions running. We have been, over the years, the largest supporter of the Palestinian Authority. Supporting them in their reform agenda and in their efforts to ensure effective control of all the territory of Palestine. 

The European Union fully assumes its responsibilities. But we, alone, cannot stop this humanitarian catastrophe. Peace in the Middle East requires a collective response. We need everyone to assume their responsibilities. We must act together and demand:

• The unconditional release of all hostages.
• An immediate ceasefire.
• Full and unimpeded humanitarian access.
• An end to illegal settlements.
• A renewed, credible commitment to a two-State solution.

This was the strong message from the Two-State Conference hosted on Monday by France and Saudi Arabia, to which the European Union is fully committed. 

In Ukraine. A sovereign nation was brutally attacked by a permanent member of the Security Council — in clear violation of the United Nations Charter. A clear violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity, the respect of internationally recognized borders, and the right to choose its own destiny. Principles that bind all the members of the United Nations. 

This aggression threatens not only Ukraine. It threatens every nation in this Assembly. If we accept Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, no country will ever be safe. There is only one root cause to this war – Russia’s refusal to accept Ukraine’s right to choose its own destiny. For over three years, this war has claimed innocent lives, destroyed cities, and fuelled global insecurity. Our collective security is tied to Ukraine’s resilience. 

The European Union stands firm in supporting Ukraine. In their fight for a just and lasting peace. In their efforts to bring an end to the killing, and Russia to the negotiation table. In their future reconstruction. In providing security guarantees to prevent future attacks. In their path to full membership in the European Union. 

We will continue to apply pressure on Russia to end this war. We call for meaningful negotiations, an immediate ceasefire, and a just and lasting peace. This is not Ukraine’s fight alone. It is a fight for the principles we all hold dear.

The European Union is determined to build a world based on the fundamental values that we share with the United Nations: peace, human rights and sustainable development.

Human rights are the foundation for global peace and stability.

Social protection, decent work, gender equality and the fight against poverty are not optional. They are the guarantees of human dignity. Of social stability. Of lasting peace among nations.

The European Union defends freedom, democracy and human rights. Values that today are being threatened by disinformation and the misuse of digital technologies.

We need global standards, transparency, and mechanisms for accountability that are as dynamic as the technologies we are dealing with. In order to ensure that digital technologies empower citizens – not autocrats, or new tech oligarchs.

The European Union stands for a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence. We are at the forefront of the first comprehensive regulatory framework for responsible artificial intelligence. And we call for an equivalent level of ambition at the international level. By drawing on our fundamental values: dignity, democracy, and the rule of law.

Climate change is not ‘fake news’. It is a scientifically proven reality that affects our present and will affect our future. The destruction and deaths caused by fires, floods and hurricanes are not inventions. They are very much a reality.

Furthermore, investing in decarbonisation is key to each country’s energy sovereignty, to innovation, and to the competitiveness of our economies. The European Union is therefore fully committed to the Paris Agreement, with its commitments to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

We will continue to actively promote the protection of our oceans, which are our planet’s lungs and lifeline. We welcome the ratification of the UN High Seas Treaty, to safeguard the biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Sustainable development also means building alliances, not dependencies. We are at the forefront in the fight against climate change. Through the Global Gateway programme, the European Union is mobilising €300 billion by 2027 in sustainability and connectivity investments throughout the world. This will make a decisive contribution to achieving the sustainable development goals.

Furthermore, the European Union, together with its member states, provides 42% of global development aid. We are the leading donors to the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the UN Development Programme. We are taking the lead in global solidarity, and will continue to do so, even in these times when the UN system is facing major financial constraints.

Finally, we need to make progress on reforming the international financial architecture for debt management. We must ensure that it is fairer, more inclusive, and geared towards tackling today’s challenges. It must also help us to close the gap in development financing along the path set by the ‘Seville Commitment’.

The European Union is a global partner. The European Union and its member states are staunch political supporters and the largest collective donors to the United Nations, as the pillar of the multilateral system. We are working closely with other regional partners. That is why we are building stronger trade and industrial partnerships across the globe.

We are advancing deals with Mercosur, Mexico, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Not just to boost trade, but to increase global predictability and resilience. A trade and investment agenda based on fairness, sustainability, digital innovation, labour rights, and climate alignment. Because trade deals - not tariffs - deliver real benefits for all countries, companies, and citizens.

In a multipolar and fragmented world, we are building a powerful global network of partnerships. With Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the United States and Canada, the Arab world, Asia, and the Pacific, as well as with our European neighbours.

In today’s multipolar world, there is no Global South or Global North. Both are plural. The European Union will continue to work with all partners in a spirit of global solidarity and meaningful partnership. Because multipolarity needs an effective multilateralist system.

A rules-based international order under the United Nations Charter. This commitment stems from our own history. Europe rebuilt itself from the ashes of World War Two through peace, through reconciliation, and through integration. We know these principles work - because they worked for us.

At a time when international cooperation is being tested, the value of reliable partnerships has never been greater. The European Union is a reliable and predictable partner, and stands firmly with the United Nations. We will defend its principles. Support the reforms of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres. Work to make the United Nations more inclusive, more representative, and more effective. With the UN80 reform initiative and the implementation of the Pact for the Future.

At a time when multilateralism is under threat, let me leave you with one simple promise:
You can count on the European Union.
Count on us to stand for peace.
For multilateralism.
For justice.
For human dignity.
For sustainability.

The time has come to choose, clearly:
Peace over war.
Law over force.
Accountability over impunity.
Solidarity over division.
Sustainability over crisis.
Justice over inequality.

The European Union has no doubts about where we stand and you cannot have any doubt about where we are.

Thank you very much.