Centre right MEPs have added their voices to those demanding urgent reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
They want limits on the use of veto powers, a stronger role of the UN General Assembly when the Security Council is “paralysed” and a “reassessment” of Russia’s permanent seat on the Security Council.
The call comes from members of the European People’s Party, EPP, the biggest political grouping in the European Parliament.
It also comes amid ongoing uncertainty about the long term future of the UN, not least with President Donald Trump’s reported reservations about the organisation.
The U.S policy toward the United Nations is, for many, driven by an “America First” philosophy, prioritizing U.S. national sovereignty and demanding structural reforms.
While the president’s administration has maintained support for core humanitarian operations, it has reportedly heavily scrutinized, cut funding for, or completely withdrawn from dozens of international and UN-affiliated agencies.
The U.S. withdrew from numerous international and UN-affiliated bodies, including the Paris climate change framework, UN Women, the UN Population Fund, and the UN Democracy Fund.
Andrey Kovatchev is the MEP who has drafted the EU Parliament’s recommendation for the next UN General Assembly.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Bulgarian deputy said, “The UN Security Council must be reformed to better reflect today’s global reality.
“Veto must not be allowed to prevent UN action against war crimes and crimes against humanity. When the Security Council is unable to act, the UN General Assembly can help bridge the gap. We must make the United Nations more effective, efficient and better adapted to a changing world,” said Kovatchev.
“Russia has lost its moral legitimacy as a permanent member of the Security Council by flagrantly breaching key principles of the UN Charter, in particular by waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, and by blocking, by means of its veto, decisions concerning its own illegal actions,” reads the report, which is expected to be adopted by the European Parliament at its monthly plenary session in Strasbourg, France this week.
Kovatchev adds, “Russia’s place as a permanent member of the UN Security Council must be questioned morally, politically and legally.
“Russia is not only waging an illegal war, committing atrocities and openly violating the UN Charter.
“There is also a legal problem: article 23 of the UN Charter names the Soviet Union, not Russia, as a permanent member. Russia simply took over the seat without a formal decision, with a unilateral declaration.
“This is based on tacit acceptance and political practice rather than on a clear legal decision,” insists Kovatchev.
Further comment on the issue comes from another EPP deputy, Sandra Kalniete, the Group spokeswoman on Russia.
The Latvian member, also vice chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, said, “Russia’s claim to the Soviet Union’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council was accepted in the chaos and euphoria that followed the collapse of the USSR.
“But this was never settled by a clear legal decision. Formally, Ukraine and Belarus had equal grounds to claim succession, as they signed the Belavezha Accords in December 1991 alongside Russia, while the other former Soviet republics also inherited rights and obligations from the USSR,” underlined Kalniete.
“Russia is now the greatest threat to international peace and security. It violently assaults the most basic principles of international law and undermines the UN system from within.
“It sabotages all peace efforts, fuels global insecurity and contributes to the energy crisis by supporting Iran’s attacks in the Gulf.
“Russia’s seat in the Security Council must be questioned whenever Moscow uses its veto to paralyse UN
Comments
20 responses to “Russia’s seat in the Security Council “must be questioned” – EPP Group”
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Oh sure, let’s just keep Russia in the Security Council while they’re practically auditioning for the role of ‘Bad Guy of the Year.’ 🤷♂️ Maybe we should throw in a medal for the most creative vetoing too! 😂
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Looks like Russia’s permanent seat in the Security Council is about as legitimate as a two-euro note on the black market. 🤑 Time for a proper rethink, eh?
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In a world where we question everything, why not toss Russia’s Security Council seat into the mix? After all, it’s not like they’ve been playing by the rules—more like a drunken game of chess in a pub! 🍻
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Funny how a country that’s lost its moral compass still holds onto its seat like a stubborn dog with a bone. Maybe they think the UN stands for “United Nostalgia” instead of “Nations.” 🤷♂️
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Looks like the EPP Group has finally discovered that Russia’s seat at the table is more like a chair in a toddler’s playroom—completely out of place and ready to topple over any minute. 🎭 Who knew international politics could be so… entertaining?
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Oh sure, let’s just keep Russia in the Security Council while we’re at it – because who needs a credible referee when the game’s rigged, right? 😂🧐
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Funny how a country that thinks it’s a world leader can’t even lead itself out of a paper bag. Maybe we should put a “for sale” sign on their Security Council seat—might attract some serious bidders! 😏
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Looks like the EPP Group wants to give Russia a little existential crisis in the Security Council – who knew geopolitical poker could be so spicy? 😏 Maybe next, they’ll suggest a bake-off to decide the real power players! 🍰
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So, the EPP Group thinks it’s time for a little ‘whoopsie-daisy’ on Russia’s permanent seat at the UN, eh? Guess they finally realized letting a bull in a china shop oversee the security council was a bit rich! 😂
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Seems like Russia’s got a VIP pass to the Security Council, but everyone’s finally waking up to the fact that it’s more of a dodgy bouncer than a respected member. 🤔 Maybe a few questions about that seat are in order—like how did we end up with a circus in a council? 🎪
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Seems like the EPP Group has finally decided to play the game of musical chairs with Russia’s Security Council seat—too bad no one told them the music stopped ages ago. 🎶🪑
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Isn’t it adorable how they finally noticed Russia’s been playing musical chairs with the UN Security Council? 🎭 But let’s not forget, it’s all fun and games until someone takes their veto ball and goes home! 🏠
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Can’t wait for the next episode of “Who Wants to Be a Permanent Member?”—it’s like a game show but with fewer laughs and more war crimes. 😏
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As if we needed another reason to question Russia’s seat in the Security Council, right? At this rate, they might as well host a “how to win a veto” masterclass! 😂
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Looks like the Security Council is just a game of musical chairs, and Russia forgot to bring a proper seat! 🎭 Let’s just hope someone brings a legal manual to settle the whole “who’s who” in this geopolitical soap opera. 🍿
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Isn’t it just charming how Russia still sits at the grown-ups’ table while throwing tantrums? Maybe next, they’ll demand a trophy for “Best Actor in a Political Drama.” 😂
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Oh, what a surprise! The EPP wants to give Russia a bit of a reality check—next they’ll be asking for a refund on their membership fees! 😂 Who knew that the Security Council was like a dodgy pub where only the loudest drunks get to stay? 🍻
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Looks like the EPP Group is finally waking up from their espresso-induced slumber—who would’ve thought questioning Russia’s seat was a thing? Maybe next they’ll suggest the Queen should run for President! 😂
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Looks like the EPP Group is finally waking up from their long nap! Maybe next they’ll question whether cats really do have nine lives or if that’s just a myth too. 😏🧳
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Isn’t it charming how a country can just waltz into a permanent seat at the adults’ table and then throw tantrums every time there’s actual talk of democracy? 🍷 Maybe it’s time to check if their invite is still valid, eh?
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