The topic of the session taken during March 2025 concerned the topic of security focusing on the adaptability of peace operations , reports on the current situation in the African and East Asian countries, specifically the Palestinian war and the situation in Afghanistan and in the DRC; and the Ukrainian war. The UNSC's presidency for this month is of Christina Markus Lassen, Denmark representative, who aims at ““simply to have an honest look” at peacekeeping, she said.”
The article presents the main topics of the discussions, with the relative findings, divided between briefings (closed or informal sessions where experts or officials provide updates on specific issues to the Council members without a formal debate or resolution), open debates (public sessions where Council members and invited non-members discuss issues openly, often leading to statements or resolutions but not binding decisions) and adoptions (formal approval of resolutions or decisions, typically through a vote by the Security Council members, making them legally binding).
Open Debate on Cooperation Between the UN and the EU
On 11 March 2025, the Security Council held its annual open debate on cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, with a focus on multilateralism, peace and security, and humanitarian coordination. High Representative Kaja Kallas outlined EU contributions across six core areas, including defending the UN Charter, financing UN operations, and supporting conflict resolution efforts globally. She highlighted EU responses to the war in Ukraine, humanitarian aid to Gaza, support for Syria's political transition, and peace operations in Africa, citing examples such as ATALANTA and IRINI. Kallas stressed the need to counter misinformation and uphold international norms. Council members widely endorsed the EU's multilateral role, particularly in crisis response, climate security, and support for the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
While Russia strongly criticized the EU's foreign policy and role in Ukraine, most Council members reaffirmed the value of EU-UN strategic collaboration. Several highlighted the importance of Chapter VIII partnerships, especially in Africa, and praised the EU's contributions to humanitarian operations in conflict zones. The meeting concluded without a resolution but reaffirmed the significance of regional cooperation in addressing global security challenges. Member States encouraged deeper alignment between the UN and EU on conflict prevention, humanitarian access, and peacekeeping reform, viewing the partnership as essential to upholding the UN Charter and advancing collective responses to complex global threats.
As seen above, the UNSC was involved in numerous meetings focusing on the conflicts and the humanitarian situations in the Middle East. The resolutions adopted and the recommendations of the UNSC aim at increasing humanitarian aid, facilitating peace negotiations and reducing the effects of the conflicts on civilians. More meetings and topics will be covered in the next months.
By Kaitlyn Llerena and Giorgia Rossini
