Borrell rejects claims rules-based order has 'expired,' defends international law

Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell mounted a vigorous defense of the international rules-based order Wednesday, rejecting assertions that the system has become obsolete. In a post on the social media platform X, Borrell emphasized that "International Law, which includes the prohibition to use force to settle international disputes, is an integral, binding part of the EU Treaties," adding firmly that "Its 'expiration' cannot be decreed by anyone in a speech."

Von der Leyen's warning sparks debate

Borrell's intervention came in response to remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who told the annual conference of EU ambassadors in Brussels that Europe can no longer act as a "custodian for the old world order." While affirming that "We will always defend and uphold the rules-based system that we helped to build with our allies," von der Leyen cautioned that Europe could "no longer rely on it" as the sole means of protecting its interests amid the "complex threats" it faces. The Commission president warned that the traditional world order is rapidly eroding amid repeated violations of international law.

EU faces internal debate on global

Borrell's statement urging each EU institution to work "in accordance to its respective competence" highlights an internal European debate about how to respond to what many see as the crumbling of the post-World War II international architecture. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also weighed in, warning that Russia's invasion of Ukraine accelerated the "erosion of international law." The discussion comes as US and Israeli strikes on Iran intensify tensions, with both actions raising questions about adherence to international legal norms and the effectiveness of multilateral institutions in constraining great power behavior.

Foundations of international order questioned

The debate among European leaders reflects broader uncertainty about the future of international governance as the rules-based order faces unprecedented challenges. With major powers increasingly acting unilaterally and multilateral institutions struggling to respond effectively to crises, questions about the system's viability have moved from academic circles to mainstream political discourse. Borrell's staunch defense suggests significant resistance within European circles to abandoning the framework, even as others argue for adaptation to new geopolitical realities.