EU Ambassador Addresses UN on Veto Use, Strait of Hormuz Security

Stavros Lambrinidis calls for respect of international law, freedom of navigation in critical maritime route.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:55pm

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An oil tanker ship silhouetted against a warm, golden sunset sky, reflecting in the calm waters of the Strait of Hormuz, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the importance of maritime security in this critical global trade route.A serene yet vulnerable scene in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where the security of global trade and energy supply hangs in the balance.NYC Today

Stavros Lambrinidis, the European Union's Ambassador to the United Nations, delivered a statement on behalf of the EU and its member states at a UN General Assembly meeting addressing the use of the veto and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Lambrinidis expressed regret that a draft resolution on the Strait could not be adopted due to a veto by two permanent UNSC members, and called for respect of international law and freedom of navigation in the critical maritime route.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global trade route, and disruptions to its normal functioning can have far-reaching consequences for energy, food, and other supply chains worldwide. The EU is seeking to coordinate with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait and address the humanitarian crisis caused by the recent escalation of tensions.

The details

In his statement, Lambrinidis said the EU and its member states align with a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan on the Strait of Hormuz, but that it could not be adopted due to a veto by two permanent UNSC members. He stressed that freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait are essential for regional and global stability, trade, and food and energy security. Lambrinidis welcomed the ceasefire agreed by the US and Iran, and urged all parties to fully respect international law, including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The EU is supporting the UN Secretary-General's efforts to address the crisis, including the appointment of a Personal Envoy for the Middle East.

  • On 16 April 2026, Stavros Lambrinidis delivered the statement at the UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

The players

Stavros Lambrinidis

The European Union Ambassador to the United Nations who delivered the statement on behalf of the EU and its member states.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan

The countries that proposed the draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz that could not be adopted due to a veto.

United States

One of the permanent UNSC members that vetoed the draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran

The other country involved in the ceasefire agreement welcomed by the EU.

Jean Arnault

The UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Middle East, appointed to address the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“Freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical maritime routes, are essential for the stability of the Middle East, global trade, energy and food security, and other critical supply chains.”

— Stavros Lambrinidis, European Union Ambassador to the United Nations

“Any act that threatens safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. Maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the right of safe free passage through international straits must be respected, in line with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS. It cannot be conditioned by individual states.”

— Stavros Lambrinidis, European Union Ambassador to the United Nations

What’s next

The EU will continue to engage with partners in the region to contribute to de-escalation and regional stability, and stands ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and reach a sustainable agreement on all areas of concern.

The takeaway

The EU is taking a leading role in advocating for respect of international law and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade route, as it seeks to address the humanitarian and economic consequences of the recent escalation of tensions in the region.