The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) takes place in Malta on 5 and 6 December. The organization's main annual meeting will be held in light of the tense security situation in Europe and will bring together high-ranking representatives of the 57 OSCE participating states. Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler led the Liechtenstein delegation. In view of the major political and institutional challenges facing the OSCE, her participation underlined Liechtenstein's support for this important organization and for multilateralism.
Focus on the war in Ukraine and fragile security in Europe
In her speech, Minister Hasler addressed the extremely challenging times in which the OSCE Ministerial Council took place. In particular, she highlighted the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, which has now been going on for almost three years and has reached a new level of escalation.
Minister Hasler emphasized Liechtenstein's support for Ukraine and its commitment to the issue of criminal responsibility, which is also being brought to bear within the OSCE framework. She also expressed her support for the role of the OSCE in relation to Ukraine.
Commitment to multilateralism and urgent institutional solutions
In view of the war in Ukraine and other conflicts and crises in the OSCE area, the security situation in Europe is currently fragile. This poses political and institutional challenges for multilateral cooperation, which is important for Liechtenstein.
This is particularly true for the OSCE, where decisions can only be made by consensus. The organization has been struggling for some time with major institutional difficulties in the areas of budget and executive functions. The Ministerial Council is now to decide on the urgently needed replacement of the four management functions of the OSCE, i.e. the Secretary General and the heads of the organization's three independent institutions. Work is also underway to agree on the OSCE Chairmanship countries for the years 2026 and 2027.
Outlook for “Helsinki+50” with commitment to principles
A functioning OSCE is important for Liechtenstein. It is the only European security organization of which Liechtenstein is a member. With this in mind, Minister Hasler contributed to the discussions in Malta. She also did so with a view to the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act in 2025 under the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship. The Foreign Minister emphasized the unbroken relevance of the principles laid down at that time in the so-called “Helsinki Decalogue”. Compliance with these principles and international law is of great importance to Liechtenstein.
“The OSCE is geared towards comprehensive security and occupies a special position within the international organizations, especially for those states that do not belong to a security alliance. Liechtenstein will continue to strongly advocate compliance with international law, multilateralism and a strong OSCE,” said Minsiter Hasler in her speech.
Minister Hasler also used her participation in the Ministerial Council for a series of bilateral talks and contacts.
