The European Union and its member states reaffirmed their support for a stronger multilateral system based on international law and the United Nations Charter. The declaration was issued during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland.
The EU said the United Nations remains central to peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and global problems that countries cannot solve alone. It supported continued work on the Pact for the Future, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as cooperation on gender equality, democracy and the rule of law.
The declaration called for UN reform that makes the organization more effective, representative, accountable and financially sustainable. It said assessed contributions must be paid fully and on time and asked for reliable funding for the UN human rights system and humanitarian agencies.
The EU also defended the independence of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. It supported limits on the use of the UN Security Council veto in cases involving mass atrocities and said multilateral institutions must produce clear and measurable results for people.