Germany faces tight UN Security Council vote against Austria and Portugal for 2027–2028 term
The UN General Assembly will vote on Wednesday on non-permanent seats for 2027–2028, with three EU states competing for two Western European slots.
The contest
Germany, Austria and Portugal are the three candidates from the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) vying for two non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. The vote in the 193-member General Assembly is expected after 16:00 German time on Wednesday. A two-thirds majority of votes cast is required to win a seat.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has been in New York since Friday lobbying for support. He told Deutschlandfunk on Wednesday morning that he had been able to add further votes for Germany during his meetings. "We knew from the outset that it would be a difficult competition because we have two other good candidates from Europe," Wadephul said, adding that he remained confident Germany would reach the required threshold.
What is at stake
A seat on the Security Council promises greater international weight and influence. The council is the only UN body that can pass legally binding resolutions, though it is widely seen as blocked by vetoes from its five permanent members — China, Russia, the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday in Berlin: "We have done everything in our power, including the foreign minister, myself personally, and many cabinet colleagues, to make it possible for us to obtain the approval of the UN General Assembly." Germany has been the largest contributor to the UN budget in 2026, according to the UN, while the United States has paid nothing toward the regular budget.
The competitors' pitches
Austria is running under the slogan "Partnership – Dialogue – Trust" and is leaning on its tradition of neutrality to distinguish itself from its two NATO-member rivals. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has emphasised the perspective of a small country in the council and Austria's lack of a major colonial past as an advantage in the Global South. Austria began preparing its candidacy in 2011, shortly after its last council term ended.
Portugal launched its campaign in 2013 and highlights its openness to the world and cultural connections across the globe. All three countries have stressed their commitment to multilateralism in their campaigns. Hungary has announced it will vote for Germany.
Reform calls
Ahead of the vote, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock called for reform of the Security Council. "The permanent blockades there are massively eroding the credibility of the entire United Nations," the former German foreign minister told Politico's "Playbook" podcast. She described reform as "overdue" but noted it has so far failed because it requires the consent of the five veto powers.
Baerbock also defended the UN against fundamental criticism: "Not a single day would this world be better off without the United Nations." She said the organisation was created precisely for times of crisis and must remain capable of acting even under difficult conditions.
Germany's track record
Germany has sought a Security Council seat every eight years since reunification and has always been successful, serving six times as a non-permanent member, most recently in 2019–2020. This time the outcome is open, and Germany could fail for the first time. Wadephul acknowledged that Germany's largely uncritical position on Israel's actions in the Middle East could cost it votes.
We have always clearly defended international law and will continue to do so with great consistency in the future.
If elected, Germany would serve as a non-permanent member for two years starting in January 2027. The vote could go to multiple rounds if only one candidate secures enough support in the first ballot.
