Wadephul: Germany wants to live up to its responsibility
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stresses Germany’s mediatory role and canvasses for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
New York (d.de) - A foreign policy vote of importance to Germany is about to take place in New York: the Federal Republic hopes once again to be given a seat on the UN Security Council, the organisation’s most powerful body, for the years 2027 and 2028. The UN General Assembly is to hold the election this Wednesday.
The last time Germany had a seat on the Security Council was in 2019 and 2020 - the sixth time it had done so. It has now applied for a seventh term. The success of its application is no foregone conclusion this time, however.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is currently canvassing for Germany’s candidacy in New York. “It’s a question of the role that Germany can play,” he said in the TV programme “Bericht aus Berlin”. He explained that many states currently wanted Germany to act as a mediator — “as Europeans who are committed to peace, respect and understanding between peoples”. He also said that Germany was considered to be a country that defended the international rule-based order. “We have a responsibility as the Federal Republic of Germany and we want to live up to this responsibility,” said Wadephul.
The uncertainty is due first and foremost to competition within the group of Western states. Alongside Germany, Austria and Portugal are also applying. However, only two seats will be assigned to the Western European and Other States Group.
