The EU and its Member States regret that despite the tireless efforts of the FSC Chair, consensus on reissuing Vienna Document 2011 could not be reached, due to the opposition of the Russian Federation. We continue to believe that reissuing the Vienna Document is a technical and practical matter. We note that Vienna Document 2011 and agreed VD Plus decisions remain in force.
We believe that our work on further strengthening the Vienna Documentmust continue. The changes in the security environment and in the military sphere make the necessity to substantially update and modernise the Vienna Document more than obvious. In this context, we recall the proposals for updating the Vienna Document, including the Joint Proposal co-sponsored by 34 participating States, and encourage all participating States to engage in constructive discussions focused on the Vienna Document’s role in reducing the risks of conflict in the OSCE area by promoting transparency, predictability and stability. Furthermore, we recall the Joint Statement of 45 participating States at the Tirana Ministerial Council and reaffirm our strong commitment to the full implementation of the Vienna Document in letter and spirit. We are determined to support constructively the process of its substantial modernisation.
The numerous texts suggested by many around this table on various chapters of the Vienna Document underline the need and desire to advance further our commitments and instruments, to make them more resilient in times of crisis, to dispel concerns and strengthen confidence between OSCE participating States, which in the current security situation is needed more than ever. We appreciate and support the FSC Chair´s and FSC Coordinator´s efforts to continue discussions on the Vienna Document modernisation and stand ready to engage actively in these discussions. We encourage others, including the Russian Federation, to take the same approach. Genuine dialogue is needed, as progress can only be achieved if all partners in the OSCE display the necessary political will.
Finally, we stress the need for the full implementation of the existing OSCE commitments in the politico-military area, including the Vienna Document. We believe that full implementation will enhance trust and confidence in the Euro - Atlantic area to the benefit of all of us.
The Candidate Countries the REPUBLIC of NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO* and ALBANIA*, the Country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and Potential Candidate BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA, and the EFTA countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the European Economic Area, as well as UKRAINE, the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, GEORGIA, ANDORRA and SAN MARINO align themselves with this statement.
* The Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.