Multilateralism

When countries work together, they can find common solutions to shared problems and promote peace and prosperity for all.

The EU, which in itself is built on shared rules and cooperation beyond national borders, is firmly committed to a multilateral system with the United Nations at its core.

National flags on tall poles and the stars of the European Union flag.

What is multilateralism?

Multilateralism is when countries work together, through dialogue and shared rules, to tackle mutual challenges and find solutions that benefit everyone.

It is based on the idea that by cooperating and listening to one another, countries can achieve more together than they could on their own. The EU itself is an example of multilateral cooperation.

A priority for the EU

The EU strongly supports multilateralism, working closely with the United Nations and other international organisations and partners to uphold international law and promote peace and human rights.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, engages closely with partners worldwide to support global cooperation and a fair, rules-based international order in his role as representative of the EU in international meetings.

Krąg unijnych gwiazd nakładający się na kulę ziemską, na żółtym tle. Za gwiazdami i kulą ziemską znajdują się szare okręgi.

Działania Antónia Costy w świecie: wzmacnianie relacji z partnerami międzynarodowymi

The EU and the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is at the heart of the world’s multilateral system, serving as a global platform for dialogue, cooperation and collective action. All EU countries are full members of the UN, while the EU is an observer member with enhanced status.

The EU and its member states are fully committed to the UN Charter and its principles. Together, they are the largest financial contributor to the UN system.

EU cooperation with the United Nations

EU participation in the main United Nations bodies

UN General Assembly

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative body of the United Nations. The EU has enhanced observer status and coordinates among its 27 member states to present unified positions.

UN Security Council

The Security Council is the main global body responsible for ensuring international peace and security. Under EU law, EU members in the Security Council must act in unison and foster the EU's positions and interests.

A single voice in global trade

The EU has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the global body responsible for international trade rules at multilateral level, since its creation on 1 January 1995.

The 27 EU countries are also members in their own right. As a customs union with a common commercial policy and common external tariff, the EU acts as a single voice within the WTO.

EU and the World Trade Organization

Shaping global policies through the G7 and G20

The G7 and G20 are intergovernmental fora connecting the world's major economies and shaping responses to global challenges in a polarised and rapidly changing geoeconomic context.

The EU has been a full member of G7 since 1981 and participates as a special, non-enumerated member. Three EU member states – France, Germany and Italy – are also members.

The EU has been a full member of G20 since its creation in 1999. Three EU member states – France, Germany and Italy – are also members. Spain is a permanent invitee.

G7 and G20 summits

Family photo of leaders participating in the G7 meeting of 2026. — G7 leaders in France (June 2026).

Cooperation with NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance of countries from Europe and North America. Its members are committed to protecting each other from all threats.

Almost all EU member states are NATO members, with the exception of Austria, Cyprus, Ireland and Malta.

The EU-NATO strategic partnership is founded on shared values, the determination to tackle common challenges and the unequivocal commitment to promoting and safeguarding peace, freedom and prosperity in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Współpraca UE–NATO

Engagement with regional partners

The EU cooperates and holds regular summits with regional partners such as the African Union, CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) and the Western Balkans. The primary purpose of those summits is to align political and strategic goals and to boost economic ties and trade.

The heads of state or government of all the countries of the relevant region and of the 27 EU member states also take part in the summits.