A look at the situation in the world shows us that we need to talk. That is why today’s OSCE Foreign Ministers meeting is so important. The OSCE, more than hardly any other organisation, stands for confidence-building and dialogue. That is the foundation of our European security. Without the confidence that fundamental rules will be adhered to, Europe’s security is under threat.

Today, we will have the opportunity to discuss the Sea of Azov, where we urgently need concrete de escalation measures. We will also talk about arms controls. We need to give this issue more prominence on the international agenda, particularly in view of the crisis concerning the INF Treaty.