Thank you, Mr. Chair,
The Russian Federation’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered the European security landscape. It has swept away the seeds of trust so painstakingly sown in Helsinki 50 years ago. It directly contravenes the Helsinki Final act, undermining the values of freedom, democracy and collective security, and constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law. We strongly condemn Russia’s reported use of sexual violence, arbitrary detention of civilians, and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children—acts intended to instill fear and suppress resistance.
Russia’s disregard for the Helsinki principles extends beyond its aggression in Ukraine. Russia has weaponised migration, launched cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, and engaged in interference campaigns, including in elections. It has undermined the effective functioning of the OSCE itself by stalling key technical decisions and illegally imprisoning our own OSCE staff: Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.
We reiterate our call on the Russian Federation to uphold its international obligations and to fully and unconditionally withdraw all military forces from the sovereign territory of Ukraine without delay, accept a 30- day ceasefire and engage in good faith on a path for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
Mr. Chair,
Despite facing the most serious security crisis in Europe since the Second World War, the OSCE remains an important platform for promoting peace, stability, and cooperation across the region. The OSCE’s toolbox, if adapted, updated and used properly, could further strengthen already successful efforts to support and build democratic governance, promote human rights, and strengthen institutions based on the rule of law in the region.
The field missions’ undertakings contribute to fostering stability and promoting democratic progress, even in times of severe backlash. Norway values the Organization’s work in advancing gender equality, protecting children in conflict, and fostering inclusive, accountable public institutions that form the backbone of resilient democracies.
Norway continues to support the OSCE Border Management Staff College through extra-budgetary contributions. This initiative strengthens national security across participating States by developing institutional capacity and enhancing strategic frameworks.
Mr. Chair,
The OSCE remains a cornerstone of the European security architecture—a structure now facing unprecedented challenges.
The deterioration of key arms control regimes has severely undermined transparency, accountability, and mutual security assurances. The continuous blockage of a unified budget undermines the OSCE’s ability to carry out its mandate and support participating States. The instrumentalization of the consensus principle to paralyze the Organization must stop.
In a security landscape marked by deep, long-term distrust, we must prepare the OSCE for adapting to a future role in shaping a stable and secure Europe. As newly appointed chairpersonship of the Structured Dialogue, we hope to contribute to this daunting task.
We remain committed to multilateral diplomacy as the most effective path to manage distrust, foster cooperation, and restore a peaceful and stable European security order. The OSCE still remains the most inclusive and appropriate forum to address the pressing security challenges of our region in the future.
I thank you.