Mr Chair, thank you for continuing to organise dedicated Security Dialogues,
allowing us to explore specific security issues in greater depth also thanks to the
distinguished panellists. We welcome them to the FSC and thank them for their
insightful presentations.
2. Today’s focus on “Incident Management: Mitigating Risks of Unintended
Escalation” appears timely, even in the context of Russia’s intended illegal,
unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, which now for
over 1 700 days continues to claim the lives of innocent civilians and Ukrainian
soldiers defending their country in the exercise of Ukraine’s inherent right to self
defence.
3. We also see an escalation of attacks near our borders, violations of our airspace,
and clear threats on our territory. Looking at this trimester alone, rarely a week
passed when we did not report violations of the sovereign airspace of EU Member
States, as well as that of our neighbours, including the Republic of Moldova, in the
context of Russia’s intensified attacks against Ukraine. We stand in full solidarity
with all EU Member States and countries that are affected by Russia’s actions. We
strongly condemn Russia’s escalating and increasingly reckless behaviour, and
reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security of all Member States.
4. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, including the inviolability of
their airspace, must be fully respected. We call on Russia to ensure that its military
activities are conducted in full compliance with international law and its OSCE
commitments.
5. In an environment where Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine remains an
existential challenge for the European Union, the intensification of hybrid attacks,
including acts of sabotage, against the Union and its Member States and the
repeated violations of Member States’ sovereign airspace and territorial waters in
recent months reinforce the importance and the urgency of accelerating efforts to
achieve defence readiness by 2030, strengthening resilience, enhancing
preparedness and protecting critical infrastructure.
6. Mr Chair, you also highlight the possible impact of evolving technologies. The
responsible military use of technologies is a fundamental aspect of the politico
military dimension, and existing OSCE acquis remains relevant in this regard.
According to paragraph 34 of the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of
Security, each participating State will ensure that armed forces, amongst others,
are trained and equipped in ways that are consistent with the provisions of
international law and its respective obligations and commitments related to the use
of armed forces in armed conflict. Furthermore, according to paragraph 24 of the
Code each participating State will provide and maintain measures to guard against
accidental or unauthorised use of military means. In this context, the importance of
strengthening implementation of the Code of Conduct cannot be emphasised
enough.
7. Mr Chair, this Forum remains a key OSCE decision-making body dealing with
politico-military affairs, with the aim of increasing military security and stability in
Europe. For Russia to end its war of aggression against Ukraine would be the most
vital step towards this goal.
Thank you.