Thank you, Chair.
Sandy Berger, who served as National Security Advisor under President Clinton, once remarked that: “History is seen through a rear-view mirror, but it unfolds through a foggy windshield.” This observation resonates strongly in the context of the current uncertainties we face.
It is evident how Russia’s aggressive actions have transformed Europe, with visible repercussions in Ukraine and increasing strain on the institutions that uphold European security, including our own. However, what lies ahead remains less certain. What is clear, though, is that this Forum is at a crucial juncture in its history.
As the United Kingdom assumes the Chair, we do so with a profound sense of purpose and ambition. We recognise the weight of our responsibility, not only in managing each meeting and agenda item over the next four months, but also in ensuring the long-term viability of this esteemed institution.
Ensuring Effectiveness in a Changing Landscape
Firstly, we must collectively reflect on whether we are doing enough to maintain the effectiveness of this organisation in an increasingly perilous Europe.
It is vital to remain acutely aware of the consequences stemming from Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. These are evident not only in the displacement of Ukrainian families, the fragmentation of communities due to warfare, and the traumatic experiences of children growing up amidst violence and uncertainty, but also in the erosion of the fundamental principles that underpin European security, including the Helsinki principles, which remain as relevant today as they have ever been.
Russia’s actions have fundamentally altered the assumptions that have underpinned European security for decades, compelling us all to reassess how we can safeguard it moving forward.
Therefore, the United Kingdom intends to utilise our time as Chair not merely to oversee the day-to-day agenda, but to draw attention to the challenges that lie ahead. We aim to ensure that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) can continue to foster stability in our region for many years to come.
The Importance of Dialogue and Principles
My second point centres on the significance of principles and dialogue, which are often portrayed as opposing priorities. I believe this perspective is misguided. In fact, the moments when dialogue becomes most challenging are precisely when it is most essential.
The United Kingdom will steadfastly support Ukraine and will persist in holding Russia accountable for its aggressive actions and violations of the foundational principles upon which this organisation is established.
The principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the Helsinki principles are paramount.
Simultaneously, this forum remains one of the few venues where countries across our region can convene and engage in discussions regarding the security challenges we collectively confront. This is of great importance.
When trust deteriorates, the associated risks escalate, leading to misunderstandings, miscalculations, and potentially unintended escalations.
In this light, the purpose of dialogue is not to gloss over or dismiss critical areas of disagreement but to prevent those disagreements from escalating into something far more severe. This is the essential function of the Forum. Effective risk management requires a commitment from all parties involved.
Looking Ahead: Reflecting on Security
My third point pertains to our outlook for the future.
One key takeaway from recent years is that security cannot be taken for granted, nor can the institutions that are designed to safeguard it.
With this understanding, we must engage critically with the mechanisms and tools at our disposal to determine whether they are sufficient for managing risks in an increasingly dangerous Europe. During our tenure as Chair, we aspire to stimulate discussions regarding the future viability of these mechanisms.
This is not the time for hasty conclusions; however, it is equally not a moment to drift aimlessly through the fog of uncertainty.
If we neglect to fortify the relationships and institutions we require today, we may find ourselves looking back with regret.
Thank you very much.