EU Statement – UN General Assembly 6th Committee: Measures to eliminate international terrorism

EU Statement - UN General Assembly 6th Committee: Measures to eliminate international terrorism

6 October 2025, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States by Markus Lutz, Counsellor, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General at the Sixth Committee on the Agenda item 109: "Measures to eliminate international terrorism"

EU Statement - UN General Assembly 6th Committee: Measures to eliminate international terrorism

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Mr Chair,

I have the honour 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, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

This year, we mark the UN's 80^th anniversary. The UN was established to put an end to war and promote peace, justice, and better living for all humankind. Unfortunately, the international community has yet to successfully contain the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism. On the contrary - the threat continues to evolve, presenting a major challenge in a geopolitical environment impacted by growing instability and multiple crises. Al-Qaida, ISIL (Da'esh), and their affiliates remain the most prominent threat, and the alarming situation in parts of Africa is of particular concern. Moreover, politically motivated violent extremism, including from the far-right and far-left, along with the exploitation of new technologies for terrorist purposes, remain significant areas of concern.

Against this backdrop, the European Union and its Member States underscore the critical importance of international cooperation in preventing and combatting terrorism and violent extremism. We are committed to working together during the 9^th review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2026 to ensure that our collective responses remain relevant, up to date, and effective, while respecting and fully upholding international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law.

Since the adoption of the last review in 2023, the European Union and its Member States have enhanced both our internal and external measures to effectively prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism. We are pleased that the Global Counterterrorism Forum has renewed the EU's mandate as its co-chair until 2026, alongside Egypt, prioritising gender-responsive approaches and a strong focus on Africa. By the end of 2025, the European Commission will present a new EU Agenda on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism - a comprehensive strategic framework that integrates internal and external action and reflects the EU's response to the evolving threat landscape.

Furthermore, the EU is the third-largest donor to the UN Office of Counter Terrorism and deeply values this collaboration. In this context, we underline the need for continuous assurance that the UN counter-terrorism architecture remains fit for purpose, delivering sustainable and effective assistance with full adherence to transparency and international law, including international human rights law. The EU also provides substantial political and financial support to a range of other multilateral actors, including the GCTF-inspired institutions - Hedayah, GCERF and the IIJ - reinforcing prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration, and anchoring counterterrorism efforts firmly in human rights.

Allow me to highlight several key points of utmost importance to the work of this Committee:

First, the EU remains committed to a multilateral counterterrorism approach that fully respects and upholds international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law. The only sustainable response to terrorism and violent extremism is one based on democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and gender-responsive approaches. Counter-terrorism efforts must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations. On the contrary, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is the cornerstone of sustainable counter-terrorism strategies, enhancing their legitimacy and effectiveness. These principles are reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future, underscoring their importance and international consensus on them.

Second, we must engage with and protect civil society representatives and human rights defenders, as meaningful partnerships with civil society are crucial to effectively addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. The full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership of women are indispensable in these efforts, and the inclusion of youth in all stages is key to effective prevention. We also recognize the importance of protecting, supporting and rehabilitating all victims of terrorism, as they are key agents in preventing further terrorist acts. We recall the fruitful discussions during last year's UN International Conference on Victims of Terrorism in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, which also highlighted the importance of education as a tool for prevention, peacebuilding and empowerment of victims and survivors.

Third, the EU deplores the increasing politicization of counterterrorism and strongly supports revitalizing the negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. In this regard, we draw attention to the recently adopted Amending Protocol by the Council of Europe to modify the definition of terrorist offences in the Council of Europe Convention (CETS 196). Once entered into force, the amended Council of Europe framework will provide a common pan-European definition of terrorism. This achievement demonstrates that common legal frameworks strengthen global cooperation while safeguarding human rights. We propose that other delegations consider the potential benefits of this framework and express our commitment to engaging in a constructive and meaningful dialogue based on its principles.

Fourth, the European Union is concerned about the growing threat posed by the misuse of the internet for intimidation, radicalization, propaganda, recruitment, incitement to violence and attacks. Member States need to adapt their legal framework to respond to this challenge, in accordance with international law, including international human rights law. For instance, the European Union Internet Forum creates a collaborative environment for EU governments, the internet industry, and other partners to discuss and address the challenges posed by malicious and illegal online content. Moreover, the EU has established a Terrorist Content Online Regulation, in force since 2022, requiring removal of terrorist content within one hour, with strong safeguards for freedom of expression.

We also underline the importance of addressing the misuse of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones and 3D-printed weapons, for terrorist purposes. In response, the EU has launched a comprehensive counter-drone policy package and, together with UN partners and INTERPOL, initiatives such as CT TECH+.

Finally, the EU has taken major steps to cut off terrorist financing. A new European Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA), which became operational this year, will enhance our global leadership in this domain, alongside strengthened cooperation among Financial Intelligence Units.

In conclusion, Mr Chair, the European Union and its Member States remain steadfast in our commitment to multilateralism and to supporting global efforts to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism, in a manner compliant with international law. From Africa, where 72% of our external CT and PVE spending is concentrated, to the Western Balkans, Central Asia and the Middle East - including as Co-Lead of the Syria and Iraq Focus Group of the Global Coalition against Da'esh - the EU acts as the world's largest external cooperation partner and a reliable global security actor. We stand ready to work collaboratively with all partners to strengthen our collective security and uphold the values that unite us.

I thank you.

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