Brussels, 18 February 2021
In a Joint Communication by the European Commission and the High Representative, a new strategy has been announced on the EU’s contribution to rules-based multilateralism. The main objectives of the communication are to map out what the EU expects from multilateral systems in the future and what the EU can do to improve its role in a reinforced multilateral order.
Željana Zovko, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament, welcomes the call for a stronger multilateral system. „Many of today’s challenges cannot be overcome by individual States, but require joined efforts. The current COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of such a threat that needs a global response. For the development of a sustainable long-term solution preventing future pandemics, we need to bundle our forces worldwide.“ Zovko said.
According to Zovko, the EU should continue its support for international fora such as the United Nations system, and take a leading role to reform and modernise these structures suiting the 21st century. „The geopolitical scene has shifted over the last decades. As the EU is the biggest financial contributor to UN bodies, we must promote a reflection on the functioning of international organisations and build on new partnerships across the world. Only this way we can ensure effective promotion of global peace and security, to defend human rights and international law.“ Zovko stated.