Mr. Chairperson,

Mr. Secretary General,

Dear colleagues,

1.   For four years now, our agenda consists of only one broad topic “Security situation in the OSCE area”, and as such is departing from the traditional format that the Annual Security Review Conference had until 2021. This shift is no coincidence as since 2022, we have been confronted with a threat unlike any we have faced in recent times, as one participating State wages a war of aggression against another. Russia has violated this organisation’s core principles and commitments, enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act, whose 50^th anniversary we ought to commemorate this year. Accordingly, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine rightly remains at the top of our agenda, given its far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the OSCE area.

2.  The EU and its Member States stand united in their strongest condemnation of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine. We are appalled by Russia’s continued and heinous attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including the one yesterday in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which killed at least 20 civilians and injured nearly 300 others. This war is not only an attack on Ukraine, it is a direct assault on the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the 1990 Charter of Paris for a New Europe. These are the pillars upon which our global community and institutions are built. Challenging these principles undermines the European and international security order.

3. Findings from the Moscow Mechanism, OHCHR, and the UN Commission of Inquiry expose the brutal and systematic nature of Russia’s violations since the start of its full-scale invasion, carried out across Ukraine and temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. 

4. We are committed to ensuring full accountability for all international crimes and other violations of international law. Given the current gap in the jurisdiction of the ICC over the crime of aggression, we have been actively involved in preparations to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. The Lviv event, where the HRVP was present was a crucial step forward, paving the way for establishment of the Special Tribunal. Now, it will be vital to finalise the political process in the Council of Europe, and make sure the Tribunal is operational as soon as possible.  

5. The EU reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression, the EU and its Member States have provided nearly EUR 159 billion worth of assistance, including more than EUR 69 billion in military support. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. 

6. The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and welcomes all efforts towards achieving such peace. We have joined Ukraine and international partners in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days. This pause in hostilities could serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering and allow space for meaningful talks for genuine peace. 

7. The EU condemns Russia’s destabilising and malign activities in the OSCE region. The aim is to distract us all from its war of aggression against Ukraine, to destabilise our societies and to threaten our collective security. Russia must uphold its international obligations and commitments and stop its state-controlled disinformation and other malign activities, including attempts at subversion, coercion and intimidation. The EU remains determined to safeguarding our democratic institutions and enhancing the resilience of our partners in the face of Russia’s malicious activities, including hybrid threats, aimed at undermining stability and eroding our support for Ukraine. 

8. In Belarus, the situation remains very serious. Five years after the mass protests and subsequent start of violent repression against the society, the regime has solidified its power, eradicated all dissenting voices, as well as has deepened its dependence on Russia, both politically and economically. The regime continues to provide support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, mainly through military production, joint military exercises and logistical support for the war. We call on Belarus to refrain from such actions and to abide by its international obligations. The regime’s complicity unfortunately affects the situation of civil society, but ordinary Belarusians should not be identified with the regime. We know that this support is not popular in Belarus. We will continue to distinguish clearly between the regime of Lukashenka and those who want to see Belarus free and democratic. 

9. Despite the worsening political and human rights situation in the country, our support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has not been affected. The EU remains highly committed to supporting comprehensive conflict resolution in Georgia, including through the work of the EU Special Representative and the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM). The EU, as a Co-Chair, remains committed to active involvement in the Geneva International Discussions (GID).

10. The EU welcomes the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the text of a draft peace treaty and we call on both sides to proceed with its signing as soon as possible. The EU continues to support the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalisation process with a view to achieving lasting peace and security in the region, based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. We stand ready to provide additional support and expertise, should the sides request it.

11. Central Asia continues to be affected by the consequences of the situation in Afghanistan as well as Russia’s ongoing war. The EU maintains its dedicated dialogues and support to the region to help addressing potential security threats. For the first time this year, as one of the deliverables of the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit in April 2025, we will have a dedicated Counter-Terrorism Dialogue with the region. 

12. In the Western Balkans, security risks stem from weaknesses in governance and the rule of law, nationalist political agendas but also from foreign information manipulation and interference. The EU enlargement process has become a vital foreign policy tool and strategic stabiliser in the region, no longer an exclusively internal EU process.

13. Mr. Chairperson, the European Union firmly believes that the OSCE continues to be an essential platform for addressing the shared security challenges we face. Ensuring the OSCE’s foundational vision, its functionality and resilience should guide our actions, as they will shape our future security and stability. 

      Thank you.