Germany has failed for the first time in history to secure a non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council, after being defeated by Portugal and Austria in the vote held on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly.
Germany has previously held a non-permanent seat on the Security Council six times and had always won the elections it ran for.
Wednesday's vote represents a significant diplomatic setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government and a surprise for Berlin. "Obviously, the result is a real disappointment, it's a bitter defeat," said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul immediately after the announcement of the vote.
The Security Council consists of 15 members: five permanent - the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom - and ten elected members for two-year terms. It is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions, including sanctions or the authorization of the use of force.
Portugal and Austria Have Secured the Reserved Spots for Western Europe
This year, three states competed for the two reserved spots for the Western Europe and Other States group.
Portugal received 134 votes, Austria 131, while Germany only got 104, insufficient to reach the two-thirds majority required.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker hailed the result as "a major diplomatic success" for Austria.
According to analyst Daniel Forti from the International Crisis Group, an independent international organization specializing in conflict prevention, the result could also be explained by some member states not wanting Austria and Germany, considered too close politically and geographically, to simultaneously occupy the two European seats on the Council. "Germany will continue to be an influential voice within the UN," assured Daniel Forti.
The expert also noted that Austria started its diplomatic campaign over a decade ago, while Germany entered the race relatively late.
Berlin Says Support for Ukraine and Israel Has Cost Votes
The German Foreign Minister suggested that Berlin's firm positions in international affairs influenced the voting result. "Our strong support for Ukraine is no secret. It is not a secret that Russia does not want such a voice in the Security Council," Wadephul stated.
The Minister claimed that Moscow "campaigned against us," an accusation to which Russia has not responded so far.
He also acknowledged that Germany's positions are not shared by all UN member states. "We have always had clear positions on certain issues, and these are positions not all member states share," Wadephul said.
The German official suggested that Berlin's special relationship with Israel could have also influenced the vote. "The fact that Germany always has to take special responsibility for Israel in the Middle East conflict may have also cost us votes," he stated.
Wadephul refers to Germany's "historical responsibility" towards Israel, stemming from the Holocaust and the crimes committed by the Nazi regime against Jews during World War II.
A Blow to Friedrich Merz
According to BBC, the failure also represents a political blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who built his image around the promise to strengthen Germany's influence on the international stage.
His critics in the Opposition argue that the result puts him in an embarrassing position, following the political difficulties faced domestically.
However, Merz conveyed that Germany will continue to play an important role within the organization. "This outcome does not change the responsibilities we have at the United Nations. Germany remains a reliable pillar of the multilateral system," stated the German Chancellor, congratulating Austria and Portugal on their election.
Who Enters the Security Council
In addition to Portugal and Austria, Zimbabwe, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kyrgyzstan were also elected.
Zimbabwe received 182 votes, while Trinidad and Tobago received 181. Four rounds of voting were required for the Asian seat, with Kyrgyzstan ultimately prevailing over the Philippines.
The five states will start their terms on January 1, 2027, taking over the seats currently held by Greece, Denmark, Pakistan, Somalia, and Panama, whose terms expire at the end of next year.