Counterintuitive as it may seem, a crumbling world order offers the EU a golden opportunity to champion justice, multilateralism, and the fight against inequality.

Last month’s public commitment in this direction by EU leaders in their exchange with UN secretary-general António Guterres is a wise move. But so far, there's been a big gap between what they say and what they're actually willing to do to make this a reality.

An important first test will be in June, in Seville (Spain), when the Fourth United Nations Financing for Development (FfD4) international conference takes place - the first time it is being held on European soil. 

There, EU leaders must choose between the growing trend of isolationism or tackling once and for all the deep crises driving today’s instability. 

This summit is a pivotal moment to promote fair global finance rules that fight inequality, extreme wealth concentration, and the climate crisis that is burning our futures. 

This week, EU representatives in New York will join a new round of negotiations on the road to Seville.

So far, the EU’s positions in the FfD process have been deeply disappointing. 

Instead of backing proposals for more democratic decision-making on global economic issues, the bloc has systematically opposed any meaningful reform, defending an unfair and dysfunctional status quo, and limiting their offer to the Global Gateway - an investment initiative that barely scratches the surface of the challenges we face.

The system we live in marginalises the world's poorest, shackles countries with crushing debt, and lets the super-rich plunder our planet and take control of our economies.