Norway thanks the Secretary General presenting the Unified Budget Proposal for 2026. We recognize the effort that go into such an exercise, and we remain fully committed to engaging constructively in the forthcoming budget negotiations.
Passing a budget for the OSCE is a core responsibility of participating States. Without it, this organization continues to operate under financial constraints based on assumptions and priorities from 2021 – a situation that limits its ability to respond to today’s security environment. Our shared goal should be a realistic and sustainable budget that provides the OSCE with sufficient financial and human resources, fit for purpose in 2026.
We note that the proposal foresees a substantial nominal increase. While we understand the intent to reflect high inflation levels and the erosion of real value over recent years, it will be important that all parties — participating States, the Secretariat, and executive structures alike — approach the negotiations with sensitivity to the broader political context.
In this light, a balanced and measured 2026 budget proposal would benefit from aligning more closely with the third version of the 2025 Unified Budget proposed by the Finnish Chairpersonship.
Let me at this outset, commend the Finnish Chair of the ACMF, under the leadership of Ms Lotta Karlsson, for your tireless efforts to secure a budget for 2025. We also warmly welcome the Swiss Delegation, especially Ms Hanna Bodenmann, the new Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, and wish her every success in the negotiations ahead.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.