The OSCE as an instrument for European security

For almost four years, Russia has been waging a brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and deliberately attempting to destroy the foundations of the European security and peace order, including through the use of hybrid attacks. In this crisis period in particular, the OSCE is an essential instrument for strengthening cooperation and security in Europe.

Important forum for cooperation and dialogue

The OSCE provides a forum that enables dialogue with representatives of over 50 countries spanning North America to Central Asia. In addition to its meetings and events, the Ministerial Council thus also provides opportunities for bilateral talks.

With its field operations and country offices in Central Asia, the Southern Caucasus, the Western Balkans and Moldova, the OSCE helps to improve security and to boost the protection of fundamental freedoms in concrete ways on the ground, for example via confidence-building measures, international cooperation between police forces, climate security, the protection of minorities and election observation.

As the second-largest contributor and largest supporter of additional services, Germany continues to champion an active OSCE that is capable of acting.

Ongoing focus on support for Ukraine

In the fourth winter of the war, the OSCE is continuing to support Ukrainians by providing many concrete measures. For example, under the Support Programme Ukraine, it helps to find missing people, to provide psychosocial care for children and to clear mines. It also provides support on important Ukrainian reform processes, the fight against corruption and the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. In addition, the OSCE plays a major role in mitigating war-related environmental damage and documenting violations of human rights and international law.

One event at the Ministerial Council will highlight particularly clearly the importance of this cooperation, as it will address the issue of the Ukrainian children who have been abducted by Russia. Not only have these children been torn from their familiar surroundings, they are also being systematically alienated from their culture. We are working together to facilitate their return and to ensure that they receive care in Ukraine to enable them to process their traumatic experiences.

In order to make it possible for Russia to be held accountable for these and other crimes, the OSCE is also documenting human rights violations over the course of the war of aggression against Ukraine.