On 13 July 2026, the Council of the European Union approved the EU's priorities for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), covering September 2026 to September 2027. The document outlines the EU's stance on key global issues, including support for multilateralism, UN reform, and human rights, while reaffirming its role as the largest humanitarian donor.
The Council's conclusions set the EU's agenda for the upcoming UNGA session, building on previous EU commitments to the UN system. The EU will defend a multilateral system rooted in the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. It will advance UN reforms through the "UN80 initiative" and beyond, in line with the Pact for the Future, aiming for a more effective, cost-efficient, and responsive UN. The Council also supports comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more inclusive, transparent, democratic, and accountable.
On geopolitical issues, the Council condemns Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also reaffirms commitment to the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, calling for permanent disarmament of Hamas and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The EU reiterates its support for the International Criminal Court and will call for the withdrawal of any sanctions against ICC elected officials.
In the human rights domain, the Council reaffirms the EU's commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights and comprehensive sexuality education, and opposes the death penalty in all cases and circumstances. The document notes that the EU and its Member States collectively provided 40% of global humanitarian assistance in 2025, making them the top humanitarian donor.
The priorities will guide EU action at the UN over the coming year, with the Council expected to review progress during the session. The European Parliament and the European External Action Service are likely to engage on these priorities in the lead-up to the UNGA.