German foreign minister confident in bid for UN Security Council seat

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed optimism despite the uncertainty surrounding Germany’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. 

“I am approaching this vote with confidence. Competition always stimulates business,” Wadephul said on Tuesday on the sidelines of his visit to the United Nations in New York. 

He added, “We are running a positive campaign. We are promoting our strengths. We are promoting our expertise.”

Germany faces competition from two other European countries, Austria and Portugal, for a seat on the UN's most powerful body for the 2027–28 term. 

Only two rotating seats are available for Western European countries, and both are considered to have a good chance of topping Germany in a secret ballot in the General Assembly on June 3.

When asked whether he would take it personally if the bid were to fail, the minister said: “It is not about Johann Wadephul’s personal feelings, but about the Federal Republic of Germany, the federal government, and us standing here with all our professional expertise.” 

He emphasized: “We are all fully committed. Firstly, to the candidacy and secondly, should we be elected, to the tasks we will then face.”

Germany has run for a seat on the Security Council every eight years since reunification in 1990.

Wadephul also visited the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union (AU), where he outlined Germany’s bid to representatives of the 54-member African Group at the United Nations.

Germany backs the group’s push for Security Council reform. It is calling for at least two permanent seats with veto power, along with two additional non-permanent seats.

Fast-paced promotional clip

At a reception, Wadephul wanted to present the short film “More than a Seat” (German: “Mehr als ein Sitz”), produced for the candidacy, to his UN guests. 

The fast-paced clip states: “We are ready to take our seats - to stand up. For respect, justice, and peace.” 

Wadephul also met with Argentina's Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and later with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi. 

The central justification for the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February was to deprive Tehran of the ability to develop a nuclear weapon.

Wadephul is also likely to discuss the need for UN reform with Grossi, who is in the midst of a campaign. He aims to succeed UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2027 and is campaigning, among other things, on a platform of restoring the UN’s significance.

Seat offers greater influence in global crises

The Security Council comprises 15 of the 193 UN member states. 

Five are permanent members and hold veto power: the US, China, Russia, the UK and France. Russia and China often block important decisions. 

Five of the 10 non-permanent seats are filled each year and distributed among regional groups: five to African and Asian states, one to Eastern European states, two to Latin American states, and two to Western European and other states.