Dialogos

EU Leaders Discuss Multilateralism, Middle East, and UN Reform with Guterres

Published March 19, 2026, 20:02
EU Leaders Discuss Multilateralism, Middle East, and UN Reform with Guterres

Leaders of the 27 European Union member states met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for a working lunch to discuss the current state of multilateralism, the international situation, and UN reform. Guterres expressed his gratitude for the EU's support for multilateralism and international law, emphasizing the key role the EU can play in building a multipolar world. The discussion also focused on the ongoing process of UN reform, which the EU supports. Furthermore, EU leaders and the Secretary-General discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, with a focus on the critical situation in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran. Guterres expressed his concern about the war between Israel and the US, calling for an immediate end to it, as well as Iran's attacks on its neighbors. The UN Secretary-General stressed the need to open the Strait of Hormuz, pointing out the negative impact of its prolonged closure on the global economy and particularly on less developed countries. He also praised the exemplary cooperation between the EU and the UN, as well as the EU's fundamental support for the UN and multilateralism. Finally, Guterres stated that the EU will play a central role in efforts to create an international order based on the rule of law, with greater justice, climate action, and control of technological development. The discussion on the Middle East continued even after Guterres' departure.