Key Facts

• The UNSC has 15 members: 5 permanent and 10 temporary members serving two-year terms.
• Germany competed for one of two seats in the “Western Europe and Others” group but lost to Austria and Portugal.
• Germany’s candidate received 104 votes, which was 23 votes short of the two-thirds majority required.
• This is the first time in many years that Germany failed to secure a rotating seat on the UNSC.
• Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany’s clear support for Israel and Ukraine likely cost it votes.
• Some analysts believe opposition to Germany’s support for Israel was the main reason for the loss.
• Germany is one of the largest financial contributors to the UN and has traditionally held significant diplomatic influence.
• The loss led to criticism in Germany about its international reputation and foreign policy.