11 March 2025
High Representative Kallas, thank you for your briefing.
80 years ago, our forebears committed to saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war.
They did so, with the recognition that peace and security is a collective endeavour.
That it requires global and regional cooperation.
That is why they dedicated a whole chapter of the UN Charter to the crucial role of regional organisations in the maintenance of peace and security.
Today that role remains as vital as ever, as Europe faces the greatest threat to its security in decades.
Colleagues,
Against this backdrop, Denmark warmly welcomes today’s meeting on the cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union.
Denmark is firmly committed to both organisations. We have worked for and supported the longstanding and growing partnership between them.
And we will continue to do so.
Colleagues,
As we have heard at this meeting, a firm belief in multilateralism and a strong dedication to international law are the cornerstone of the EU’s actions.
Quite frankly, this is our DNA.
It is what makes the European Union such a strong and natural partner for the United Nations across all three pillars: Peace and Security, Sustainable Development and Human Rights.
High Representative Kallas has provided us with an excellent overview of the many ways in which the EU supports – both financially and politically – the UN.
From financing development and the 2030 Agenda, to reforms of the UN Development System and a reinvigorated Resident Coordinator System, the UN can count on the EU and its Member States, as the world’s largest provider of Official Development Assistance.
Allow me to highlight two areas where Denmark sees potential for even stronger, and more strategic, EU-UN cooperation.
Firstly, crisis management.
Both the UN and the EU are committed to working in an integrated, coherent and inclusive manner to advance sustainable peace and prevent conflict.
As violent conflicts become increasingly complex, the need for closer cooperation and continuous dialogue between the EU and UN has become even more necessary.
This is particularly evident where EU missions are deployed alongside UN-led or supported missions in several countries, including Somalia, Libya and the Central African Republic.
Secondly, upholding international law.
The EU is founded on an international order based on the UN Charter and international law. So much so, that respect for these principles is written into our Treaty on the European Union.
Today, even these most fundamental principles are under attack.
Principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
Denmark welcomes – and is proud to be part of – the EU’s unwavering support for these principles.
Principles that underpin the EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression and blatant disregard for international law.
Principles that underline the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Which are key to upholding a world order in which might does not make right.
In closing,
We believe that this Council should welcome, encourage and build upon this cooperation. We should utilise the EU’s value-add wherever we can.
We should be ambitious in taking this EU-UN partnership for peace and security to the next level.
As a proud member of both organisations, Denmark is firmly committed to this partnership.
You can count on our unwavering support.
Thank you.