The European Union welcomed the adoption of UN peacekeeping budgets for the 2026/27 financial period and a revised methodology for calculating credits to be returned, while expressing disappointment over the lack of consensus on a resolution addressing sexual exploitation and abuse, in a closing statement delivered on 30 June 2026 at the UN General Assembly Fifth Committee's Second Resumed Session. María Reyes Fernández, Head of Section at the EU Delegation to the UN, spoke on behalf of the EU and its member states, stressing that budget implementation depends on all member states meeting financial obligations in full, on time, and without conditions, as non-payment undermines collective commitments and jeopardizes field personnel safety.
The statement noted that the session was dedicated to ensuring peacekeeping operations have necessary resources, and welcomed the adoption of budgets providing a framework for missions in increasingly complex environments. The EU praised the resolution on a revised credits methodology as a milestone in forging consensus, but cautioned that it cannot substitute for fundamental responsibility to pay assessed contributions. The EU also highlighted the achievement of a substantive resolution on the Support Account after five years without guidance, expressing hope that the same constructive approach would apply to the UN Global Service Centre and Regional Service Centre, which are critical for field mission effectiveness.
However, the EU expressed particular disappointment that consensus could not be reached on the resolution addressing sexual exploitation and abuse, despite the first-ever system-wide review by the Joint Inspection Unit offering an opportunity to assure victims, overwhelmingly women and girls, that member states can rise above negotiating positions. The EU stressed that preventing and responding to such abuse is a shared responsibility that should unite member states. The statement also called for improved working methods, urging earlier substantive engagement and realistic negotiating schedules to build trust and achieve consensus, noting that long breakout sessions and concentrated negotiations under fatigue are not conducive to balanced decisions.