The European Parliament and the United Nations

Summary:

The EU has constantly affirmed its support for multilateralism, and in particular for the United Nations (UN), with which it shares core values. Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union puts respect for the principles of the UN Charter among the guiding principles of EU action on the international scene. The EU and its Member States contribute one third to the total UN budget. Although the EU's status within the UN system varies (from full member to simple observer), the EU is the regional organisation having gained the strongest voice in the UN. The EU supports the reform agenda initiated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The European Parliament is a strong supporter of rules-based multilateralism. It follows the EU's activity in the UN closely, and regularly adopts recommendations to the Council of the EU on the priorities to be pursued by the EU at the UN General Assembly, and at major multilateral conferences such as the UN climate change conference. Parliament also adopts resolutions on the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. It encourages cooperation between the EU – together with its Member States – and the UN, in particular on humanitarian aid, development assistance, peace operations and crisis management. As regards specific bodies and agencies, Parliament regularly reiterates its strong support for the International Criminal Court, and deplores the abuse of multilateral institutions, in particular by regimes seeking to neutralise human rights mechanisms within the UN Human Rights Council. Parliament's relevant committees maintain relations with UN bodies and agencies. The committees invite UN representatives and experts to exchanges of views and hearings at the European Parliament, and send delegations to key meetings.

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