80th Session of the General Assembly Fifth Committee First Resumed Session

80th Session of the General Assembly Fifth Committee First Resumed Session

24 February 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the Member States of the European Union by Ms. María REYES FERNÁNDEZ, Counsellor - Head of Section, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, 80th Session of the General Assembly Fifth Committee First Resumed Session: Organization of work

Madame Chair,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, as well as Armenia, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

Let me begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to you and the members of the Bureau for your leadership and commitment in guiding us to the successful conclusion of our previous session, which took place under exceptionally challenging circumstances and tested the resilience of this Committee. We also extend our gratitude to the Secretariat for their steadfast support, which enables this Committee to take informed and responsible decisions in the best interest of the Organization, its staff and, most importantly, the people it serves.

We warmly congratulate Uruguay on assuming the Chair of the Group of 77 and China and look forward to continued constructive engagement. We also commend Iraq for its leadership and the spirit of trust and cooperation it fostered, which we are committed to building upon.

We further congratulate the newly appointed members of the ACABQ. We look forward to engaging with the Advisory Committee as we advance our shared objective of ensuring efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness in the Organization's work.

Madame Chair,

The First Resumed Session provides an important opportunity to address key administrative and budgetary matters that are essential to the effective functioning of the United Nations, particularly in the context of the UN80 Initiative.

We would like to highlight several areas of particular importance.

1. Reform and Accountability

The European Union and its Member States continue to attach great importance to supporting the Secretary-General in his ongoing efforts to modernize and reform the United Nations. In this context, supply chain activities remain a key priority that require a balanced and consensual resolution. Reform, efficiency, and accountability must go hand in hand, this is why we attach particular importance to the cost recovery framework, which is essential to ensure transparency, sustainability, and fairness across the system.

We reiterate our strong commitment to a robust accountability framework, which remains a cornerstone of the reform agenda. In this regard, we look forward to engaging constructively on the work of the Joint Inspection Unit.

We also recognize our responsibility to examine carefully the proposed revisions to the Financial Regulations and Rules, as well as those governing programme planning and the programme aspects of the budget. These are foundational elements of sound governance. At a time of heightened expectations and continued financial constraints, our deliberations must be guided by responsibility, realism, and a shared commitment to strengthening the Organization.

1. Budgetary Matters

The Committee is also called upon to take decisions on important structural budgetary matters. As we undertake the review of the standards of accommodation for air travel, we have the responsibility to ensure that these standards are aligned with the needs of a modern, efficient, and reformed Organization. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strategy is central to enhancing mandate delivery and improving operational effectiveness. We are also presented with substantial revised estimates, which require our careful and thorough scrutiny. In addition, we will consider the postponed item related to Umoja, and we approach this discussion with a view to ensuring efficiency and accountability.

1. Human Resources Management

The staff of the Organization are its most valuable asset. This is precisely why a comprehensive and forward-looking human resources strategy is essential-particularly in challenging times, when downsizing and workforce adjustments are high on our UN80 agenda. We remain strong supporters of modern, equitable, and effective human resources policies at the United Nations, including for young professionals. We also underscore the importance of fostering a workplace culture grounded in respect, integrity and accountability. In this regard, addressing racism and racial discrimination within the Organization remains an essential component of our efforts. There must be no tolerance for any form of misconduct, including discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse. Strengthening prevention, protection, and response mechanisms is essential to safeguarding both the trust placed in the Organization and its institutional credibility.

Madame Chair,

Reflecting on our experiences during the Main Session, we wish to emphasize that enhancing our working methods should remain a continuous goal and an ongoing commitment.

The European Union and its Member States stress the significance of preserving a healthy work-life balance for both delegates and staff. We strongly advocate for transparent and inclusive proceedings, with the active presence of the Fifth Committee Secretariat. Additionally, we underscore the critical importance of receiving all documents on time and in all official languages within a previously defined period considered as minimum to allow its effective analysis, as this is essential for achieving consensus and ensuring effective participation from all member states.

This First Resumed Session was extended to five weeks, at considerable cost to the Organization and to its Member States. Let us make it count.

I thank you, Madame Chair.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.