Finland’s President Calls for End to Single-State Veto at UN Security Council

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has advocated for significant reforms to the U.N. Security Council, including the expansion of its membership, the abolition of the single-state veto power, and the suspension of any member engaged in “illegal wars,” such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Stubb, who oversees Finland’s foreign policy, plans to present these ideas at next week’s U.N. General Assembly in New York, which will focus on the Council’s composition.
Currently, the Security Council consists of five permanent members and ten rotating members, tasked with maintaining global peace. However, geopolitical tensions have hampered its effectiveness on critical issues like the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
In an interview, Stubb proposed expanding the number of permanent members from five to ten, suggesting additional representation from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He emphasized, “No single state should have veto power in the U.N. Security Council.”
The United States, one of the five nations with veto power alongside Russia, China, France, and Britain, has also supported adding two permanent seats for African nations.
Stubb argued that any member participating in an illegal war, particularly referencing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, should be removed from the Council. He expressed concern that if countries from the global South—Latin America, Africa, and Asia—do not have agency within the U.N. system, they may turn away from the organization entirely.
Additionally, he expressed strong support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to address the assembly regarding his “victory plan.” Stubb urged Western nations to lift restrictions on the use of donated arms to Ukraine, stating that the country needs full support to defend itself effectively.
While acknowledging that his proposals might be seen as ambitious for smaller member states, he noted that major nations are unlikely to weaken their own influence without external pressure. Stubb remains optimistic that other nations will help advance these reforms ahead of the U.N.’s 80th anniversary next year.