- We warmly welcome Mr. Pere Joan Pons to the OSCE Permanent Council and congratulate him on the election as President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. We also congratulate the newly elected vice-presidents, as well as the leadership of the PA committees.
- The recent annual session in Porto marked the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, highlighting its continued validity, while deploring that many of its core principles have been and continue to be systematically undermined,not least in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
- As shown in Porto, as well as during the recent anniversary Chairpersonship Helsinki+50 Conference: Respecting the Legacy, Preparing for the Future, the Parliamentary Assembly and the governmental side of our Organisation share the common aim of strengthening the OSCE and upholding the commonly agreed principles and commitments that underpin it. A recommitment to this end, by all participating States, is therefore vital.
- As Russia’s is continuing its war of aggression against Ukraine, the discussions in Porto were timely and much needed. The European Union remains steadfast in the 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. The EU welcomes thus the work of the Parliamentary Assembly in support of Ukraine, including by establishing the Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine, as well as the PA President firm public stance on recent attacks against Ukraine.
- The Porto Declaration addressed many pressing issues to our common security, including the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza. We welcome that it contains recommendations in all dimensions of security.
- Conflicts linger unresolved in our region and appropriate attention should be devoted to them. The EU reiterates its unwavering support and commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia within their internationally recognised borders.
Mr. President,
- We appreciate the Parliamentary Assembly’s continued participation in election observation activities, which showcases the synergies within the Organisation. Election observation is a valuable tool for promoting democratisation and respect for human rights across our region. We reaffirm our full support for the ODIHR election observation methodology and commend the independent, impartial and professional manner in which it is implemented by the Parliamentary Assembly in partnership with ODIHR.
- We welcome the readiness of the OSCE PA to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova together with the ODIHR and PACE. The EU shares the serious concern expressed in the Porto declaration regarding persistent and increasing hybrid threats posed by Russia aiming to undermine democratic elections in Moldova. The EU underlines that the future of Republic of Moldova and its citizens lies within the European Union.
- At the same time, the lack of a timely invitation from Georgia to observe the upcoming local elections makes it impossible for ODIHR to deploy a meaningful observation mission. We count on the members of the PA to encourage their Georgian counterparts to seek the support of the OSCE institutions, including legal assistance. We underline the Union’s readiness to support the Georgian people’s European aspirations, and the country’s path towards accession should the Georgian authorities reverse their present course of action.
Mr. President,
- We wish you all the very best in fulfilling the mandate you have been entrusted by the members of the Assembly.