United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock on Tuesday called on the European Union to stand firmly behind the United Nations and the international
rules-based order, warning that global crises, disinformation and geopolitical tensions threaten the foundations of democracy and multilateral cooperation.
Speaking before Members of the European Parliament, Baerbock stressed that Europe’s role is indispensable at a moment of growing instability. “In times of upheaval, the world is looking to Europe,” she said, urging the EU to defend truth, democracy and international law against the rising misuse of power politics.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed Baerbock’s address, highlighting the historic responsibility of the EU eight decades after the UN’s founding. “This is a moment to renew our commitment to multilateralism as a force for good,” Metsola said. “In a more uncertain world, cooperation and dialogue between nations deliver better results than confrontation.”
Baerbock warned that misinformation and disinformation are increasingly being weaponised, posing a direct threat to democratic societies. She drew particular attention to the spread of online deepfakes, noting that women are disproportionately targeted, undermining open debate and political participation.
Reflecting on Europe’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Baerbock praised the EU’s unity and resolve. That collective stance, she said, amplified Europe’s global voice and demonstrated the power of coordinated action. Today, she added, the international community expects the EU to build cross-regional alliances to uphold the UN Charter and international law.
Turning to economic policy, Baerbock welcomed recent EU trade agreements with Mercosur and India, as well as increased EU funding for the African Continental Free Trade Area. She described global economic engagement not as short-term diplomacy, but as a long-term investment in global stability, prosperity and security.
Baerbock also urged strong EU backing for the UN80 reform process as the United Nations grapples with a severe liquidity crisis. She called on EU member states to lead by example by paying their financial contributions on time, advancing institutional reforms and engaging in long-overdue discussions on international financial reform. These steps, she said, are essential to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals and commitments to the Global South.
Reaffirming her commitment to gender equality, Baerbock called on EU governments to actively support female candidates in the upcoming selection of the next UN Secretary-General. In the organisation’s 80-year history, she noted, the role has never been held by a woman.
Background
Elected President of the United Nations General Assembly on 9 September 2025, Annalena Baerbock has framed her presidency around the vision “Better Together,” emphasising unity in the face of global challenges. Her priorities include implementing the UN80 reform agenda, strengthening the UN’s effectiveness, advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and fostering an inclusive General Assembly with strong engagement from civil society and youth.
Baerbock is the fifth woman to serve as President of the UN General Assembly. Prior to taking up the role, she served as Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs from December 2021 to May 2025 and was a member of the German Parliament from 2013 to June 2025. From 2018 to 2022, she was co-chair of Germany’s Green Party. Photo by Bündnis 90/Die Grünen Bundestagsfraktion, Wikimedia commons.