OSCE FSC No 1113 EU Closing Statement

1. Allow us for to first thank Mr Martin Roger, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia for his closing remarks in this Forum as we mark the end of Estonia’s successful FSC Chairpersonship.

2. Madam Chair, your leadership in the meetings of this Forum since May allowed us to focus on key challenges in the OSCE area, in particular on Russia’s war of aggression and its repercussions for European and global security. We remain steadfast in our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We call for a full, unconditional ceasefire which could also serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering. We call for accountability for all international crimes and human rights violations and abuses.

3. The European Union also remains unwavering and unequivocal in its strong condemnation of the persistent malicious activities posed by Russia. We remain determined to expose and counter Russia’s hybrid activities targeting the EU and its Member States, and, alongside international partners, to support its immediate neighbourhood, particularly Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

4. Ambassador, we thank you and your team for the excellent work done over these past months. You managed to ensure we were able to meet weekly, as mandated, and steered our discussions without losing sight of what rightly remained at the top of the FSC agenda during your Chairpersonship – Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. You had our full support during this entire period.

5. As part of our regular weekly meetings, you organised three dedicated Security Dialogues. These enabled us to delve deeper, also thanks to the insights from the panellists you invited, into three fitting topics for this Forum.

6. The first of them, on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security served as a timely reminder of this fundamental and unique OSCE document which  provides normative, ethical and political standards to guide all participating States. It is crucial to emphasise that the commitments outlined in the Code of Conduct 30 years ago remain vital, and all participating States have a responsibility to implement them in both letter and spirit.

7. Your focus on ”The Role of Women in Strengthening Defence and Ensuring Resilience” within the Women, Peace and Security agenda, allowed us to stress our recognition of the important role of women in Armed Forces. Integration of women’s perspectives at all stages of preparation, planning and implementing of policy is proven to have more effective results in combat, peacebuilding and peacekeeping scenarios. To continue prioritising the WPS agenda within the FSC remains an important factor towards achieving tangible progress in this crucial area.

8. Protection of children in armed conflicts remains a critical matter which we have to continue addressing, as also clearly underlined by recent developments. Children living in wars and conflict zones are the primary victims of armed conflicts they did not start. We recall the findings from the Moscow Mechanism, ODIHR monitoring reports, the UN Commission of Inquiry, and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which document the unlawful practice of deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children. We should all work towards a future where children are protected from the horrors of armed conflict.

9. Ambassador, as your time as the Chair is coming to a close, we now welcome Finland as the incoming FSC Chair and wish it all the best as it takes over this important position, while also continuing to act in its role of the CiO. We know that Finland will be able to rely on your advice through your continuing Troika presence. We also welcome France to the Troika and bid farewell to Spain leaving it.

    

   Thank you.

Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.