Germany’s standing in international order under scrutiny after UNSC loss
On June 3, for the first time, Germany failed to win a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The largest economy in
On June 3, for the first time, Germany failed to win a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The largest economy in the European Union (EU) won just 104 votes, well below the required 127 votes, and lost to the other two contenders in the race, Portugal, which won 134 votes, and Austria, which got 131 votes. The UNSC has five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members who rotate every two years. Out of these 10 seats, two are reserved for the regional grouping of ‘Western European and other States’, which includes Germany. Members for these 10 seats are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA), with a contesting nation needing at least two-thirds of the vote to win a place on the UNSC. Germany has been re-elected six times; whenever it has contested. Up until now. Steadfast with Ukraine The loss in the UNSC election is being seen as a major foreign policy defeat for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)-led federal government of Germany and its head, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had, after coming to power last year, stated his desire to restore Germany’s place on the world map. Opposition parties in the Bundestag, including the Greens as well as the far-right AfD party, called it an “embarrassing defeat”. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who had extensively lobbied for Germany’s candidacy in the UNGA, stated that the loss could have been due to the fact that Germany takes a clear stance on issues that not all member states share. “There is our firm support for Ukraine; the fact that Russia does not want such a voice at the Security Council,” said Mr. Wadephul.
He also acknowledged that “the fact that Germany must always assume a special responsibility for Israel in the West Asia conflict may also have cost votes.” With respect to Ukraine, the EU and Germany specifically have emerged as the war-torn nation’s most steadfast supporters even in the face of the U.S.’ changed attitude towards the country after Donald Trump became President for a second term. Under Mr. Merz, Germany has increased its military assistance for Ukraine. Moreover, in light of Russia’s aggression and the U.S.’ increasingly belligerent rhetoric towards the EU and NATO, Mr. Merz has advocated for increased budget for the domestic military while also calling for stronger European defence capabilities. Mr. Merz also became a part of the ‘coalition of the willing’, along with France and the U.K., in order to facilitate support for Ukraine. Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine has been condemned by almost the entire international order, with the U.S. and the EU invoking sanctions on the country. Portugal and Austria, in line with the EU’s position, have also been strong supporters of Ukraine’s right to sovereignty. Moreover, they have been consistently registering their interest in the UNSC seat for over 10 years. Austria has also been one of the strongest allies of Israel in Europe but its long-standing policy of military neutrality makes it much less of a player in matters of international conflict. But for Germany, the question of Israel and Palestine has been more complicated. Ambiguity with Israel Ever since the breakout of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, Germany has steadfastly upheld Israel’s right to defend itself.
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