Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis outlined Greece’s position on the sweeping changes reshaping the international landscape during a high-profile event hosted by the United Nations University in Tokyo, focused on the new multipolar international order. The Greek Foreign Minister stressed that the world is navigating a critical period of transition, as the international security architecture established after World War II is being transformed by new geopolitical shifts, artificial intelligence, and a new industrial revolution. According to Minister Gerapetritis, the changing way information spreads through social media is also playing a defining role in this new reality, influencing both societies and international relations alike.
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A credibility crisis for international organizations
The Foreign Minister addressed the growing difficulties international organizations face in managing modern crises, noting that their inability to effectively respond to major conflicts — such as the war in Ukraine — has fueled widespread skepticism toward multilateralism. He made particular reference to the United Nations and the functioning of the Security Council, pointing out that the veto power frequently paralyzes decision-making in the face of significant global challenges. He also noted that geopolitical realignments are destabilizing other regions of the world, including Africa, where competition among major powers is generating new hotbeds of instability.
“International law cannot be applied selectively”
Turning to Greek foreign policy, George Gerapetritis emphasized that Athens consistently chooses an approach rooted in the rules and principles of International Law. As he explained, there are two fundamentally different visions of how international policy should be conducted: one grounded in rules and principles, and another that prioritizes power and immediate national interest. The minister argued that adherence to International Law is a strategic choice for Greece — and especially for small and medium-sized nations — since international legitimacy is a cornerstone of security and stability. He also warned that applying double standards to similar international situations undermines the credibility of the international system and erodes trust in its institutions.
The need for accountability and the defense of the international order
Responding to a question about restoring trust in International Law, Minister Gerapetritis stated that legitimacy and accountability are fundamental prerequisites for any form of governance. He noted that decisions made today on the world stage set precedents that will shape the future functioning of the international legal order. Closing his address, the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of protecting foundational principles such as freedom of navigation, stressing that International Law must remain a unified body of rules applied without exception.
Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ speech at the event titled “The New Multipolar International Order” hosted by the United Nations University in Tokyohttps://t.co/PAtJOCZpbU pic.twitter.com/janLyB6QRS
— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) July 15, 2026
