Key facts
- Germany lost its bid for a UN Security Council seat.
- Portugal and Austria were elected to the UN Security Council.
- Kyrgyzstan secured its first-ever UN Security Council seat.
- Germany's Foreign Minister suggested Russia stirred opposition.
- New members begin two-year terms on January 1, 2027.
Germany's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council was unsuccessful, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul suggesting that Russia may have stirred opposition due to Germany's strong support for Ukraine and its close relations with Israel. In the election for two seats designated for the mainly Western nations group, Portugal received 134 votes and Austria 131 votes, while Germany secured only 104 votes. Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines for another seat after four rounds of voting, securing its first-ever Security Council seat with 142 votes to 49. Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago were elected unopposed. The five new members will commence their two-year terms on January 1, 2027, replacing Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia. The opposition Greens party attributed the defeat to the German government's handling of the bid, while the far-right Alternative for Germany stated it was the result of ideologically blinkered foreign policy. Germany has long sought a permanent seat on the Security Council, arguing for its expansion to better reflect current political and economic realities. Austria's foreign ministry stated its election capped a 15-year campaign and is a "strong international sign of confidence" in the country.