Multilateralism

WTO chief says ‘cautiously optimistic’ ahead of high-stakes meet
The World Trade Organization chief voiced cautious optimism Sunday (12 June) as global trade ministers gather to tackle food security threatened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, overfishing and equitable access to Covid vaccines. Speaking just hours before the opening of...
EU sees strengthened partnership with US vital for global recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the weakness of international organisations and the need for a stronger transatlantic partnership for a fair global recovery, the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell said during a Foundation for European Progressive Studies event.
Post-pandemic recovery, a chance for renewed multilateralism?
Post-pandemic recovery has emerged as an opportunity for global governance, putting people and respect for human rights at the centre of the process.
Socialist think tank chief: pandemic global failure but EU good example
The EU “should lead by example” for the recovery from COVID-19 but needs to face its own shortcomings to curb existing and new social inequalities, FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues told EURACTIV in an interview.
Biden butters up Europeans at G20
US President Joe Biden went on a charm offensive with European allies at the G20 summit in Rome, unveiling a steel deal and promising to mend ties strained to breaking point by Donald Trump.
EU backs France in submarine dispute, asking: Is America back?
European Union foreign ministers expressed support and solidarity with France on Monday (20 September) during a meeting in New York to discuss Australia's scrapping of a $40 billion submarine order with Paris in favor of a US and British deal.
Australia defends scrapping of French submarine deal, Macron and Biden to talk
Australia on Sunday (19 September) defended its decision to ditch a multi-billion-dollar order for French submarines and opt instead for an alternative deal with the United States and Britain, saying it had flagged its concerns to Paris months ago.
Germany and UK pledge closer cooperation on foreign policy
German and UK foreign ministers on Wednesday (30 June) pledged to cooperate more closely on foreign and security policy issues, reaffirming their commitment to the “strategic unity of Europe”.
UN Security Council backs Guterres for second term
The United Nations Security Council backed Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday for a second term, recommending that the 193-member General Assembly appoint him for another five years starting 1 January 2022.
Summit choreography: Biden to meet Putin ‘with the wind at his back’
Joe Biden will fight what he calls a “defining” battle for democracy on his first foreign presidential trip, meeting top US allies in Europe ahead of a tricky summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. The busy agenda — with G7, NATO...
Ambassador: Porto summit could be ‘watershed moment’ for EU-India relations
The Porto summit this weekend could be a "watershed moment" for EU-India relations to push for stronger health cooperation in the context of the pandemic, enhanced cooperation on trade and investment, and a partnership on connectivity, the country's envoy to Brussels, Santosh Jha, told EURACTIV in an interview ahead of the EU-India leaders meeting on Saturday (8 May).
Ambassador: EU and South Korea born to be best like-minded partners
Climate change is likely to be a key area to strengthen cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the EU in the coming years, the country's ambassador to Brussels, Yoon Soon-gu, told EURACTIV in an interview about multilateralism, climate cooperation and the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy.
EU says after Biden meeting: Let’s safeguard global security together
The European Union and the United States must together safeguard global security, democracy and stability, European Council President Charles Michel said on Thursday (25 March) after chairing an EU summit that US President Joe Biden joined briefly. Michel said the...
Biden declares America, transatlantic alliance ‘back’
President Joe Biden declared the "transatlantic alliance is back" Friday (19 February) in a powerful speech seeking to reestablish the United States as leader of the West against what he called a global assault on democracy.
US offers to meet Iran, reverses Trump steps in push to save nuclear deal
US President Joe Biden's administration offered talks with Iran led by European allies and reversed two largely symbolic steps against Tehran imposed by Donald Trump, as it sought to salvage a nuclear deal on the brink of collapse.
Commission seeks to ‘step up EU leadership’ globally
The European Commission on Wednesday (17 February) presented a strategy on how to promote reform, effectiveness and efficiency in the global multilateral system. It comes at a time when shortfalls of the EU's geopolitical cloud have emerged.
New WTO chief’s pile of problems
The coronavirus pandemic, log-jammed trade talks and a long-delayed meeting of member states are just a few of the crises awaiting Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as she takes the helm of the World Trade Organisation next month.
Biden to discuss pandemic, economy and China in Friday G7 meeting
President Joe Biden will hold his first event with other leaders from the Group of Seven nations on Friday (19 February) to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, the world economy and dealing with China, the White House said.
Georgia is striving to relaunch the machinery of world diplomacy
Since COVID-19 changed our lives, the larger powers are virtually alone in meeting global challenges, while smaller countries like Georgia are striving to re-launch the machinery of the larger debates, Salome Zourabishvili, the President of Georgia, writes in an exclusive...
Russia suggests Mideast peace conference, US pledges to renew Palestinian ties
Russia backed a Palestinian proposal for a Middle East peace conference, suggesting it could be held at ministerial level in spring or summer, as the US said it would move towards renewing ties with the Palestinians under Joe Biden.
NATO prepares first summit with US President Biden
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday (26 February) he had spoken with US President Joe Biden about preparing the alliance's next summit and discussed challenges including terrorism, Russian assertiveness and China's rising power.
Paris says Biden, Macron in agreement on COVID, climate change
French President Emmanuel Macron and new US President Joe Biden are in agreement on climate change and how to fight coronavirus, the Élysée palace said on Sunday (24 January).
World leaders congratulate US President Biden
World leaders said they were looking forward to working with Joe Biden, the Democrat sworn in as US president on Wednesday (20 January) after four turbulent years under Donald Trump.