Ministerial Council in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine

‘It is to be expected that Russia’s war against Ukraine will have an impact on this ministerial meeting. Decisions in the OSCE are based on consensus, and the  division between Russia/Belarus and the rest of the participating states will make this much more difficult to achieve,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The OSCE is a key forum for political dialogue and cooperation in Europe and Central Asia. In addition to countries in Europe and Central Asia, participating states include the US, Canada and Russia. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the organisation takes a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses the politico-military, economic and environmental and human dimensions, with the latter targeted towards promoting democracy, good governance and human rights.

‘Over the past two years, it has become clear that the countries of Central Asia and the Western Balkans attach great importance to the work of the OSCE. Many of these countries view the OSCE as an extension of Europe and the West, and an important counterweight to Russia’s influence. Countries that have been sceptical to the OSCE’s democracy and governance efforts have become much more interested in cooperating with the OSCE missions in recent years,’ said Mr Eide.

The OSCE chairpersonship rotates among participating states. Malta will succeed North Macedonia as chair on 1 January 2024.