German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has stated that Berlin’s strong support for Ukraine and Israel may have cost the country votes in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Germany failed to secure a two-year term on the Security Council after being defeated by Portugal and Austria in the vote held at the UN General Assembly.
Wadephul described the outcome as a “bitter defeat,” suggesting that Germany’s positions on sensitive international issues may have influenced the voting decisions of UN member states.
“Our strong support for Ukraine is a factor, and Russia does not want such a voice on the Security Council,” he said, adding that it is no secret that Russia has encouraged opposition to Germany’s candidacy.
According to the German foreign minister, Berlin’s longstanding support for Israel may also have negatively affected the voting outcome.
Germany received 104 votes, while Portugal secured 134 votes and Austria 131, winning the two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group (WEOG).
Also elected to the Security Council for the 2027–2028 term were Kyrgyzstan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe.
The loss is being viewed as a diplomatic setback for Friedrich Merz, who had pledged to strengthen Germany’s role on the international stage. Nevertheless, Merz emphasized that Germany would continue to support the multilateral system and congratulated Austria and Portugal on their election.
