European Council president advocates for UN Security Council reform

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, has called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to enhance its inclusivity, legitimacy, and effectiveness. Speaking at the UNSC, Michel pointed to ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, stressing the need for collective responsibility in maintaining global peace.

Michel stated that holding a permanent seat on the Security Council should not be viewed merely as a privilege but as a significant responsibility bestowed upon only five nations, which he described as “guardians of world peace,” Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He criticized certain members for not adequately fulfilling this role, which he believes undermines the Council’s effectiveness in addressing global crises. He reiterated the European Union’s commitment to peace and security and urged for united efforts to bring hope to a world fraught with challenges.

The UNSC consists of 15 members, five of which hold permanent status and veto power, making it essential for international peace and security. However, the increasing use of veto power has raised concerns about its potential to obstruct the Council’s ability to effectively address urgent issues.

Former UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis warned that the rising trend of veto usage could lead to paralysis within the Council, hampering the UN’s capacity to handle critical peace and security matters. Similarly, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has recently advocated for significant UNSC reforms, including the elimination of individual veto power and an increase in the number of permanent seats.

These reform proposals align with broader initiatives within the UN, highlighted by the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future by the UN General Assembly. This pact outlines actions aimed at advancing long-term goals, focusing on restructuring the UNSC to improve its representativeness and effectiveness. Key proposals include potential limitations on veto powers and expanding the Council’s membership to better reflect the current global landscape.

Implementing these reforms would necessitate amendments to the UN Charter, which governs the Council's structure. Such changes would require approval from two-thirds of the UN General Assembly and unanimous consent from all five permanent UNSC members, as outlined in Chapter 18 of the Charter.