European Council President Advocates for UN Security Council Reforms and Abolition of Veto Right

European Council President Charles Michel has called for decisive reforms to the United Nations Security Council, stating that it has lost its representativeness and legitimacy, urging the abolition of the veto right, which has been paralyzing its work. Michel made this statement during a high-level debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

“The Security Council is not representative. It is hardly legitimate. Above all, it is no longer effective. The Security Council increasingly resembles one of the living dead,” Michel said.

He pointed out that the UN Charter was adopted in June 1945, and since then, the world has faced new, dangerous conflicts that require updated tools for resolution. However, no changes or revisions have been made to the UN Charter.

“We must reform the Security Council to make it more inclusive. Africa, and in my view, Latin America, should receive permanent seats. Additionally, regional organizations should have a role in decision-making at the UN. They should play an advisory role in the Security Council on matters that concern them,” the European Council President added.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy adressed a speech at the UN Security Council, also criticizing the veto right, saying that “When the aggressor exercises the veto power, the UN is powerless to stop the war, but the Peace Formula can. Once again, there’s no veto power in it.”

Zelenskyy’s Finnish counterpart has also beeing advocating for the abolishing of single state veto right in the UN.