In the Face of ‘Unprecedented Pressure,’ EU Calls for Primacy of International Law and Partnership
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Loading... - Greta Colombo
- 12 Mar 2025
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In a recent address, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the European Union's commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation. Kallas underscored the EU's role as a steadfast partner of the United Nations, asserting that reinforcing global partnerships is essential to address collective challenges and safeguard international peace and security.
Condemnation of Aggression
Kallas denounced Russia’s actions in Ukraine, labeling the invasion as “an illegal war of aggression” aimed at undermining the sovereignty of a UN Member State. “For three long years, we have witnessed an unprovoked, full-scale invasion,” she stated, asserting that the conflict could end immediately if Russia withdrew its troops and ceased its bombardment of Ukraine. Drawing from Europe’s historical experiences, Kallas warned that yielding to aggressors only leads to further violence and instability.
The repercussions of the war, she noted, extend beyond Ukraine, disrupting global food and energy markets and involving other nations, including North Korea and Iran. “Therefore, we must all focus our efforts on achieving swiftly a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” she urged.
Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
Shifting her focus to the crisis in Gaza, Kallas highlighted the EU’s commitment to ensuring that life-saving assistance reaches civilians affected by the conflict. While acknowledging that the ceasefire in Gaza is currently holding, she cautioned that it remains fragile. “Further disruptions to aid deliveries would only worsen the already dire situation,” she warned.
Kallas emphasized the importance of unconditioned humanitarian aid, stating, “It is imperative that the delivery of humanitarian aid is not politicised or conditional. Any and all blockades to delivery of aid at scale must be lifted.” She reiterated the EU’s position as the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians and expressed support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to sustainable peace and security in the Middle East.
A Trusted Partner in an Unstable World
Reaffirming the EU’s role as a reliable partner of the UN, Kallas highlighted the bloc’s commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and international law. She pointed to the EU’s involvement in various peacekeeping missions and security operations, from counter-piracy efforts in the Red Sea to stability missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as evidence of its dedication to global stability.
Kallas also stressed the importance of maintaining the financial stability of the UN, noting that EU member states collectively contribute one-third of all funding to UN agencies, funds, and programs.
Addressing Cross-Cutting Threats
In her concluding remarks, Kallas identified three major threats undermining global peace and security: terrorism, disinformation, and attacks on gender equality. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to combating terrorism and highlighted the growing use of disinformation as a tool of hybrid warfare. “The online environment presents particular opportunities to manipulate free, open, and democratic discourse for political or economic gain,” she stated, emphasizing the EU’s support for the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity.
On the issue of gender equality, Kallas underscored the critical link between women’s rights and democratic resilience. She warned of increasing efforts to undermine progress in this area and called for stronger global commitments to uphold gender equality, particularly in light of the ongoing 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Kaja Kallas’s address reflects the EU’s unwavering commitment to international law, humanitarian aid, and multilateral cooperation in the face of unprecedented global challenges. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the EU positions itself as a reliable partner in promoting peace, security, and human rights worldwide. The call for unity and action resonates as a reminder of the collective responsibility to address the pressing issues facing humanity today.
