Strasbourg – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola received United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock in Strasbourg on Tuesday, just prior to Baerbock addressing the European Parliament’s plenary session. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, according to statements released by both sides.
During her address to MEPs, Baerbock urged the European Union to maintain a firm stance against geopolitical shifts, ongoing conflicts and emerging crises. She specifically warned against the use of disinformation and misinformation as tools of political influence, highlighting the increasing threat posed by deepfakes targeting women in democratic societies. “In a more uncertain world, we must redouble our efforts to show that cooperation and dialogue between nations yield better results than confrontation,” Metsola stated, echoing Baerbock’s call for unity.
Baerbock emphasized the importance of a united European response to preserve the international rules-based order, referencing the EU’s collective response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago as a demonstration of its resolve. She called on the EU to forge interregional alliances to protect the UN Charter and international law, asserting that Europe’s voice carries significant weight globally.
The UN General Assembly President also welcomed recent EU trade agreements with Mercosur and India, as well as increased EU funding for the African Continental Free Trade Area, framing these economic engagements as long-term investments in global prosperity and security. Baerbock further appealed for strong EU support for the UN80 reform process, citing a current liquidity crisis facing the organization.
Baerbock urged the EU to lead by example by ensuring timely payment of its assessed contributions, advancing reform proposals, and initiating long-delayed discussions on international financial reform to achieve sustainable development goals and fulfill commitments to the Global South. She also reiterated the necessitate for gender equality, specifically requesting EU member states to actively support the nomination of women candidates for the next UN Secretary-General position, noting that the role has been held exclusively by men in the UN’s 80-year history.
Elected President of the General Assembly on September 9, 2025, Baerbock has introduced a strategy titled “Better Together” focused on unity in addressing international crises. Her priorities include implementing the UN80 reform agenda, enhancing the efficiency of the UN, promoting the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and fostering a more inclusive General Assembly with strong engagement from civil society, youth, and a commitment to gender equality.
Prior to her role as President of the General Assembly, Baerbock served as Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister from December 2021 to May 2025 and was a member of the German Parliament from 2013 to June 2025. She also co-led the German Green Party from 2018 to 2022.
Following her address, the European Parliament is scheduled to continue debate on its foreign policy priorities, with no immediate vote planned on specific measures related to Baerbock’s proposals.
