UN General Assembly President Calls on Europe to Lead “Cross-Regional Alliance” to Defend Charter Amid Global Crises
STRASBOURG – In a stark address to the European Parliament on Tuesday, United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock issued an urgent plea for the European Union to champion the international rules-based order, warning that the UN is facing an “existential” moment and requires immediate global support to survive.
Speaking during the plenary session in Strasbourg, Baerbock delivered a sobering assessment of the geopolitical landscape, just 40 days into 2026. With new crises emerging in Venezuela, Iran, and Greenland—compounding ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan—she argued that the multilateral system is not merely under pressure but “under attack.”
“The world needs the UN. But right now, the UN and its principles as enshrined in the Charter, need the world, too,” Baerbock told lawmakers. She emphasized that the organization cannot stand alone against the rising tide of lawlessness and disinformation. “It needs Europe. It needs you to form a cross-regional alliance to protect, defend and champion the Charter.”
Combating Disinformation and “Fake News”
A central theme of the President’s address was the erosion of truth in public discourse. Baerbock called on the EU to “defend the truth” in an era where “fake news, falsities, mis- and disinformation” are pervasive on social media and television. She framed the defense of factual reality not just as a political necessity, but as a pillar of the UN Charter itself.
“Defending the truth means we cannot negotiate the facts; we cannot ‘go along to get along’ in the hope that it will avoid a tariff,” she stated, urging European leaders to resist coercion and intimidation from powers that seek to undermine international law.
Financial Crisis Looms
Beyond the geopolitical challenges, Baerbock highlighted a critical internal threat to the United Nations: a severe financial shortfall. Echoing warnings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, she alerted the Parliament to a potential “financial collapse” of the organization by July if member states do not meet their obligations.
She appealed to EU nations to be “first movers” in waiving the return of credits and ensuring dues are paid, framing it as an essential step to prevent the paralysis of the UN’s operations. “Adherence to the UN Charter and international law is not charity—it is insurance,” she remarked.
A Call for Reform and Unity
Acknowledging the criticisms often leveled at the 80-year-old institution, Baerbock admitted that the UN is “not perfect,” citing bureaucracy and duplication. However, she rejected the notion that the world would be better off without it. Instead, she urged Europe to lead the drive for reform to make the body more effective and efficient.
“Imperfection is an opportunity to strengthen and refine, not to cut down and demolish,” she said.
Baerbock, who assumed the presidency of the General Assembly in September 2025 under the vision “Better Together,” concluded her speech by reminding the European Parliament of their shared responsibility. “The UN needs Europe and I count on your answer to be a clear and resounding: yes, we will be there for our peace, for the international peace order, for the United Nations.”
The address comes at a pivotal time as the EU navigates its own internal and external security challenges, with the UN chief’s message serving as a reminder that the stability of the global order remains inextricably linked to the health of its central institution.
* europa.eu
* un.org
* un.org
* kenyastar.com
* europeaninterest.eu
