Finland’s President Stubb Proposes U.N. Security Council Reforms

Finland's President Alexander Stubb has advocated for major reforms in the U.N. Security Council, including expanding permanent membership and removing single state vetoes. Stubb also suggested suspending members engaged in illegal wars, referencing Russia's actions in Ukraine. He plans to present these proposals at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb has made a strong case for expanding the U.N. Security Council and abolishing its single state veto power, particularly for nations engaged in illegal wars like Russia.

Stubb, steering the Nordic nation's foreign policy, voiced his reform agenda ahead of next week's U.N. General Assembly in New York, which will deliberate on the Security Council's structure. The council, designed to maintain global peace, has faced impasses on issues such as Ukraine and Gaza.

In a Tuesday interview, Stubb proposed expanding the council's permanent membership from five to ten, with additional representatives from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He emphasized that no single nation should wield veto power and advocated for suspension of members involved in illegal conflicts.

Both the U.S. and Stubb back greater African representation. He also called out Moscow for justifying its invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing that violators should be removed from influential positions. Stubb acknowledged his proposals were ambitious but necessary, urging global support and aiming for implementation by the U.N.'s 80th anniversary.

Stubb stressed the importance of giving more agency to nations from the global South. He also urged unified support for Ukraine's victory plan as presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and recommended lifting restrictions on donated arms to Ukraine.

The Finnish president downplayed Russia's nuclear threats, noting significant opposition from the global South and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)