Dear Ursula,
Ladies and gentlemen of the press,
May I first of all express my enormous appreciation for what is an exemplary cooperation between the European Commission and the UN Secretariat.
And our enormous gratitude for what has been a constant and extremely important support from the European Union to the UN, to UN activities, even in some difficult circumstances, as it was just mentioned, in relation to Gaza, and to multilateralism.
And I thank President von der Leyen for her very warm welcome.
We are meeting at a particularly dark moment when Europe’s role on the global stage is more important than ever.
In Ukraine, two years ago, Russia’s full-scale invasion has caused, and is causing terrible suffering, stoking global tensions, and undermining international law and the UN Charter.
I reiterate my call for a just peace – and that means the respect of the sovereignty, the independence, the unity and the territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders.
Meanwhile, the war continues in Gaza.
Nothing justifies the abhorrent acts of Hamas on October 7, and nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
Today, more than half of the population – over a million people – are facing catastrophic hunger, according to the scientific classification that was recently published.
And so we must act now before it is too late.
I call on the Israeli authorities to ensure complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza and for the international community to fully support our humanitarian efforts.
And we must keep doing everything to stop the killing, reach an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and secure the unconditional release of the hostages.
In both these crises, the European Union is our steadfast ally in urging solutions in line with the UN Charter and international law.
Beyond these wars, mistrust and division rule the day.
Inequalities are rising. Climate change is wreaking havoc.
And global frameworks are simply not up to the task.
From the Security Council to the global financial architecture, we must transform international institutions so that they can respond to the challenges of our time and deliver for all – including the most vulnerable.
Multilateralism and solidarity are in the DNA of the European Union.
And many look to the EU as a leading force worldwide.
We must stand together to silence the guns.
Step in to save lives – and protect humanitarian workers.
Speak up for human rights, dignity and gender equality.
Respect international law.
Root out injustice, safeguard our climate and protect our planet.
As we prepare for the United Nations Summit of the Future in September, I fully trust the EU and its Member States to keep pushing for a more inclusive, effective, and resilient international system.
Only together we can build a peaceful, prosperous and just future for all.
And I thank you.