OSCE Chairpersonship Security Review Conference 2023 Vienna, 28 June 2023

1. The European Union thanks the OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister Osmani, for his principled stance and determination in organising today's Conference. We convene today and tomorrow amidst an ongoing war of aggression for over 16 months now, waged by one participating State – Russia against another – Ukraine. There can be no moral equivalence between the aggressor and the victim of this war. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences for the security situation in the OSCE area and beyond that demand our continuous close attention and response.
2. With its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has blatantly violated international law, including the UN Charter, and OSCE principles and commitments, and undermined European and global security and stability. The use of force and coercion in an attempt to conquer territories and change borders has no place in the 21st century.
3. The EU reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Russia must cease its illegal war and immediately withdraw all its military forces, proxies, and equipment, unconditionally and entirely, from the whole territory of Ukraine. We have been providing Ukraine with unprecedented comprehensive support, also within the OSCE, and will continue doing so for as long as it takes.
4. Russia must also immediately cease actions endangering the safety and security of civilian nuclear facilities in Ukraine. The European Union fully supports the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We condemn Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric including its announcement regarding the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons to Belarus. We call on the Belarusian authorities to put an immediate end to their support of Russia's war.
5. Mr. Chair, Russia bears full responsibility for its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. There is a substantial body of evidence, including OSCE Moscow Mechanism and ODIHR reports, that documents potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. These include deliberate attacks on critical civilian infrastructure, targeted killings of innocent civilians, unlawful detention, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as forced transfers and deportation of Ukrainian children. All those responsible must be held to account in accordance with international law. The OSCE can contribute in ending impunity, bringing justice to the victims, and deterring future atrocities.
6. We followed carefully the events in Russia last weekend. The political system is showing its fragilities and the state seemed to have lost its monopoly on power. We need to continue to monitor these Russian internal developments closely, together with our partners.
7. We have also seen how Russia’s external aggression, supported by Belarus, is mirrored by a systematic and ever-increasing internal repression. As documented by the recent OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on Belarus, the Belarusian regime continues to repress its people after the 2020 fraudulent elections. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law are prerequisites for comprehensive security.
8. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine seriously undermines the European security architecture. The countries of the region have shown unprecedented solidarity with Ukraine, notably by hosting refugees and facilitating the solidarity lanes. The European Union commends the Republic of Moldova for its efforts in this context, and its capacity to tackle the hybrid actions implemented by Russia and its proxies with the intention to destabilise the country.
9. The European Union will continue its efforts to contribute to the peaceful resolution of protracted conflicts in the OSCE area. The OSCE has a unique role to play in conflict and crisis situations, including through its Conflict Cycle toolbox.  However, political will is indispensable in this regard. The EU reiterates its unwavering support for, and commitment to, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all our partners affected by such conflicts within their internationally recognised borders. The EU is concerned about the growing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU remains fully committed to facilitate efforts to secure sustainable peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
10. In Central Asia, the consequences of the situation in Afghanistan and Russia’s ongoing war continue to affect all of us. The EU calls for a peaceful settlement of border issues within the region and for progress in regional cooperation on cross-border water management. In addressing these challenges, the EU is actively supporting the OSCE both politically and practically.
11. In the Western Balkans, the process of EU integration and a concrete European perspective serve as powerful catalysts for driving positive change, in line with our shared interests and values, from security and stability to economy, green transition and efforts to combat climate change. This remains all the more important in view of the continued challenges in terms of rule of law reform, governance, malign foreign interference and ensuing threats to long term stability.  
12. The European Union firmly believes that the OSCE, with its comprehensive approach to security, its field operations and autonomous institutions continues to be the essential platform for addressing the shared security challenges we face across all three dimensions. This applies not only to Russia’s ongoing war and other conflicts in the OSCE region but also to emerging and transnational threats that affect us all.
13. While diplomacy remains essential to bring an end to war and conflict, Russia’s political and military leadership has shown no willingness to end its war of aggression against Ukraine or demonstrate a genuine commitment to engage in meaningful negotiations. Peace in Ukraine and peace in Europe require a steadfast commitment to upholding international law, the UN Charter as well as the OSCE principles and commitments. Only by adhering to these foundations, the security of the OSCE region can be defended and preserved.

Thank you.