FM Meinl-Reisinger Launches Campaign for Austrian UN Security Council Candidacy in New York
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.
Photo: Michael Gruber
For the security of the law instead of the law of the strongest!
On March 24, 2025, in New York, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger called for keeping up the rules-based international order at the UN Security Council and officially launched the Austrian campaign for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for the period 2027/2028.
“It would be particularly dangerous for countries the size of Austria, if the law of the jungle were to prevail at the international level over the security of the law. As Foreign Minister, I ask myself: Where can we take responsibility to strengthen peace, liberal democracy and thus our security? Hence, our candidacy for the UN Security Council. This commitment is certainly motivated by patriotism. As a smaller country, like this we can achieve more in the world of superpowers.” said Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger.
The commitment to the rules-based international order and international law has always been a cornerstone of Austrian foreign policy. After three successful terms as a member of the UN Security Council, Austria is once again running for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2027/2028 in the elections in 2026. The domestic campaign is coordinated by experienced diplomat Jan Kickert, who, among other posts, served as Austria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger took part in the open debate in the UN Security Council on the topic “Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations - Responding to New Realities.” In addition, she held bilateral working meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and her counterpart Lars Løkke Rasmussen from Denmark, one of the current non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. The focus was on current geopolitical challenges, particularly Ukraine and the support for a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace, as well as on the situation in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger also emphasized the importance of security and stability in the Western Balkans.
“Unfortunately, the UN is currently under particular pressure. However, on the 70th anniversary of our UN membership, one thing is clear for Austria: the rules-based international order with the UN at its core is crucial for our security and part of our DNA. The heart for partnerships, dialogue and trust as the fundamental values of effective multilateralism beats not only in New York, but also in Vienna,” explained Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger.
The Foreign Minister also met Rabbi Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor, founder and President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (1965) and renowned spiritual leader of New York’s Park East Synagogue where she reaffirmed Austria’s strong commitment to combating all forms of antisemitism.
Further inquires:
Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
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Fax: +43 (0) 50 11 50 - 213
E-Mail: abti3@bmeia.gv.at
