EU Statement - UN Security Council: Open debate on the Rule of Law: Pathways to reinvigorating peace, justice and multilateralism

26 January 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Open Debate on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security: Reaffirming international rule of law: Pathways to reinvigorating peace, justice and multilateralism

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Chair,

We welcome this timely debate on an issue that is of utmost importance in times when the international legal order faces unprecedented strain, marked by grave violations of the UN Charter. These are, indeed, times when stating the obvious becomes necessary and should be underlined on every occasion: the rule of law matters and must be upheld at all times. No self-proclaimed "national interests" can justify departure from it.

Violating the principles of the Charter undermines the foundations of international law and the UN itself, endangers international peace, and threatens the security of all of us, collectively and individually. Article 2 of the UN Charter unambiguously forbids the threat or use of force against another State's territorial integrity or political independence.

The principles of political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are universal, obligatory and to be applied without exception. We recall the particular responsibility of members of the Security Council - especially permanent members - to uphold them.

Chair,

The rule of law is enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union; it is at the heart of European integration. It is a commitment we consistently uphold within our borders and globally. And it is for that reason that we cannot accept violations of international law - neither in Europe, nor in other parts of the world.

When violations of international law occur, they must entail accountability in accordance with domestic or international law. The EU therefore reaffirms its unwavering support for the international justice system and the respect of its independence and integrity, particularly for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as for other international criminal courts and tribunals along with other international accountability mechanisms. In this regard, it is also vital to acknowledge the role of the UN Treaty Bodies in monitoring the implementation of international obligations by States Parties to the core Human Rights Treaties.

Colleagues,

We do not consider that arguing to uphold international law is a sign of weakness. Over the past decades, as European Union, we have consistently refrained from using power to coerce others. We have instead used it to promote international solidarity and cooperation. The EU's steadfast commitment to international law with the United Nations at its core is not an "outdated" attachment to a status quo, but a principled commitment to guaranteeing that the voice of all is heard in the realities of today.

We know because that is, in fact, how we built the European Union itself after the devastation of the Second World War, which was in turn spurred by the proliferation of "might is right" and naked "national interest" over peaceful coexistence and human dignity. And we succeeded in building a united and prosperous Europe. Supporting international cooperation, solidarity, international law and the UN itself is part of our collective strength.

The commitments we adhered to eight decades ago may remain the same, but the challenges have multiplied since. How we respond to them should develop and adapt. And this is why we all have been engaged in the UN80 initiative conceived for a better, more efficient, more transparent UN within the framework of a multilateralism based on law.

Chair,

To conclude, rule of law is not an abstract notion and not a matter of an ideological debate, but a very tangible framework that preserves human dignity and makes the world a safer place for all. It is a result of a collective endeavour. It means peace and security. It provides conditions for development, prosperity, security and respect of human rights. It protects diversity and difference, allowing all to have an equal say. If upheld, we all benefit from it.

That is why international law, including the UN Charter, remains our shared value and commitment, and it is both our joint and individual responsibility to uphold it and to address violations of the Charter to ensure the rule of law. It is up to each one of us to fulfil its purposes through our commitment and action.

Thank you.