Overview
- Germany failed to win a non‑permanent Security Council seat after the UN General Assembly vote, which nominated Portugal and Austria for the two Western European slots.
- Officials in Berlin say a targeted Russian campaign and disagreement among member states over Germany's support for Ukraine and Israel cost the country crucial votes.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz accepted the defeat and vowed continued support for the UN system while Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the result an "amarga derrota" and blamed outside campaigning.
- The same vote elected Zimbabwe, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kyrgyzstan to the other non‑permanent seats for 2027–2028.
- The outcome has sparked domestic criticism of Germany's foreign policy and renewed debate about the Security Council's veto powers and the need for institutional reform.