Munich: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed concern over the United Nations' diminishing ability to effectively address global crises, highlighting the Security Council's frequent inability to act during mass atrocities. Barrot's remarks were made during a press briefing at the Munich Security Conference.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot emphasized that discussions among G7 members and partners, including India, indicate a broad consensus on the urgent need to reform the UN system. He pointed out a growing global perception that the current structure does not adequately provide comprehensive solutions. Barrot clarified that the issue lies not in the UN's relevance but in its structural framework.

He advocated for reform that tackles both legitimacy and efficiency, suggesting that the Security Council should be expanded to better represent current geopolitical realities. France supports the inclusion of new permanent members such as Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, and two African countries. Currently, the permanent members comprise the US, UK, Russia, China, and France.

Barrot also discussed a France-Mexico initiative urging permanent members to voluntarily refrain from using veto power in situations involving mass atrocities. He noted that 107 countries have endorsed the proposal, and Paris aims to push for further commitments or possibly a resolution by the end of the year, conditions permitting.

'It's not about abolishing veto,' Barrot stated. 'It's about maintaining a reasonable use of veto ... when the world witnesses the unbearable reality of humanitarian catastrophes.'

Despite criticism of the Security Council's effectiveness, Barrot underscored the UN's operational significance, particularly in humanitarian crises. Recalling visits to refugee camps near Sudan, he mentioned that without UN logistics networks, 'the situation would be untenable. It would be inhuman, it would be dire.'

Barrot further revealed that Paris intends to leverage upcoming diplomatic platforms, including an Africa-focused summit co-chaired with Kenya in May, to garner support for reform proposals and enhancements in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

In addition to UN reform, Barrot addressed broader security issues discussed in Munich, such as Europe's defense posture and the conflict in Ukraine. He asserted that Europe has 'clearly stood up' militarily over the past decade and must continue bolstering its industrial and defense capabilities. He also mentioned preparing for future discussions on continental security architecture, which could eventually include dialogue with Russia.

Barrot added that Europe should view potential adjustments in US military commitments not as a negative but as an incentive to strengthen a European pillar within NATO. On China, he reiterated the EU's stance that Beijing is simultaneously 'a partner, a competitor, and a systemic rival,' emphasizing the need for economic rebalancing while avoiding broad protectionism. He cautioned that if cooperation fails, Europe might have to take measures to protect its economic interests.