On 23 July 2026, the European Union urged the UN Security Council to strengthen mechanisms for peaceful dispute settlement, stressing the need for sustained investment in preventive diplomacy and mediation. Speaking at an open debate in New York, EU diplomat Ewout Stoefs reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to the rules-based international order with the UN at its core, and highlighted the EU's own experience as a peace project built on institutionalised dispute resolution.
The statement, delivered on behalf of the EU and its member states, outlined concrete support for UN-led mediation in several conflict zones. The EU provides financial and political backing to UN Special Envoys in Libya, Syria and Yemen, and has mediation partnerships with the African Union, Switzerland and Norway. With member states, the bloc revived the EU Group of Friends of Mediation, chaired by Finland and Spain. A UNDP-implemented programme on insider mediation has helped build local mediation capacities across 14 countries.
Stoefs stressed the importance of full, equal and meaningful participation of women and young people in peace processes, noting the EU signed the UN Common Pledge initiative last year. On specific conflicts, the EU supports diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine following Russia's aggression, backs the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire including redeployment of the EU civilian mission to Rafah, and supports coordinated mediation under the UN, AU and IGAD in Sudan. The EU also encourages a peaceful resolution regarding the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated full support for a UN-led settlement in Cyprus.
The EU called for stronger UN involvement in mediation and for conflict prevention to remain a priority for the next UN Secretary-General, insisting the Security Council must stay at the core of promoting peaceful dispute settlement.