OSCE Permanent Council No. 1555 - Vienna, 26 February 2026

The European Union warmly welcomes the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Mihai Popșoi, to the Permanent Council and thanks him for his address.

We strongly support the priorities of the Republic of Moldova's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe: namely human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as its steadfast commitment to Ukraine.

The EU highly appreciates Republic of Moldova’s focus on promoting accountability for all crimes committed in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues to cause horrendous suffering, ever-increasing civilian casualties, and destruction. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace grounded in international law and the principles of the UN Charter. We reiterate our call for accountability for all international crimes and human rights violations and abuses.

The Council of Europe is a key partner in this regard, through its Action Plan for Ukraine and the Register of Damage for Ukraine. Furthermore, in this context, the EU takes note of the signing of a new convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine and calls for work to continue. The EU will continue supporting further efforts related to the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine, and the work towards the establishment of a comprehensive compensation mechanism. The joint membership of the EU and the Council of Europe in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children also exemplifies this partnership. We welcome Republic of Moldova’s commitment to advancing these initiatives during its Presidency.

The EU welcomes your Presidency’s support for the Council of Europe’s process towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe. At a time when the whole of Europe is facing unprecedented challenges, when new tactics are being employed to undermine democratic processes, we must adapt, innovate and find effective solutions to defend freedom, uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental rights. This includes strengthening our response to disinformation, including foreign information manipulation and interference. The EU strongly condemns relentless hybrid attacks by Russia and its proxies aimed at undermining the rule of law and democratic process in the Republic of Moldova. The recent success of the Republic of Moldova in addressing these challenges while safeguarding fundamental values constitutes a valuable experience for improving our collective resilience. 

We reaffirm the Union’s determination to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights, the cornerstone of the Council of Europe and all its activities. We call for the full execution of the Court’s judgments by all OSCE participating States. In this context, we reiterate that, despite the fact that Russia ceased to be a party to the European Convention on Human Rights in September 2022, Russia remains obliged to execute its judgements related to violations that occurred before that date, including regarding the schools teaching in Latin script in the Transdniestria region of the Republic of Moldova.

We welcome and reiterate our support for the regular dialogue and active cooperation between the OSCE and the Council of Europe. As challenges to democratic institutions, human rights and fundamental freedoms rise across our region, these two organisations share a common goal in promoting stability and security on the basis of these norms and principles. While we acknowledge the continued relevance of the four identified priority areas for enhanced cooperation, the EU emphasizes the potential for further expansion of cooperation between the OSCE and the Council of Europe to ensure accountability, the rule of law, media freedom, the safeguarding of democratic institutions and a free civil society, as well as to combat violence against women.

The EU reiterates its support for a peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict based on respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transdniestria. 

In conclusion, the EU looks forward to continued close cooperation between the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and we wish you, Deputy Prime Minister Popșoi, every success during the Presidency. The EU also takes this opportunity to thank Malta as outgoing Chair, and looks forward to Monaco as the next Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

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