The European External Action Service delivered a statement at the Monthly Information Briefing on the UN80 Initiative on 29 July 2026, outlining the EU's position on the ongoing reform of the United Nations system. The UN80 Initiative, launched by the UN Secretary-General, aims to modernise the organisation's operations, management, and governance structures ahead of its 80th anniversary.
In the statement, the EU reaffirmed its strong support for a more effective, efficient, and accountable UN, capable of addressing global challenges such as climate change, conflict prevention, and sustainable development. The EU emphasised the need for reforms that enhance transparency, streamline bureaucracy, and ensure better use of resources, while maintaining the UN's core principles of multilateralism and inclusivity.
The EU also highlighted the importance of aligning the UN's work with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The statement called for increased coordination among UN agencies, funds, and programmes to avoid duplication and improve delivery on the ground. Additionally, the EU stressed the need for a stronger focus on human rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and youth in all UN activities.
The EU's intervention at the briefing reflects its ongoing commitment to UN reform, a priority that has been consistently advocated in various multilateral forums. The EU has previously called for a more representative Security Council and for enhanced cooperation between the UN and regional organisations, including the EU itself. The statement did not announce new financial commitments or specific reform proposals but reiterated the EU's readiness to engage constructively in the UN80 process.
The UN80 Initiative is expected to culminate in a series of reform proposals to be presented to the UN General Assembly in 2027. The EU's statement serves as a contribution to the ongoing consultations, signalling its continued engagement as a key stakeholder in the reform process.