The European Union has called for strengthening the mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes, in a statement delivered to the United Nations Security Council on 23 July 2026. The statement, issued by the European External Action Service, underscores the EU's commitment to multilateral conflict resolution and the central role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security.
The EU's intervention comes amid ongoing global conflicts and a perceived erosion of diplomatic frameworks. The statement reiterates the EU's support for the UN Charter's provisions on peaceful dispute settlement, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and judicial settlement. It emphasizes the need for early engagement by the Security Council to prevent escalation and for greater use of the International Court of Justice and other international tribunals.
The EU also highlighted the importance of regional organizations, including the EU itself, in complementing UN efforts. The statement calls for enhanced cooperation between the UN and regional bodies, as well as for increased resources and political will to make dispute settlement mechanisms more effective. The EU's position aligns with its longstanding foreign policy principles of multilateralism and rule of law, though it did not announce any new initiatives or funding in the statement.