The United Kingdom has stressed the importance of responsible governance and multistakeholder cooperation to harness frontier technologies while safeguarding human rights and public trust. Ambassador Holland delivered a statement at the 32nd OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum in Prague, focusing on how anticipatory technologies and science-based diplomacy can strengthen security across the OSCE region.
The statement acknowledged that while technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced data analysis offer opportunities for early warning and improved public services, they can also amplify disinformation and enable hostile activity if misused. The UK reiterated its disappointment that certain countries blocked discussions on human rights, democracy, and media freedom at the forum.
The UK also highlighted measures taken to counter hybrid threats, including the adoption of the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026 in July. This act provides new powers to designate and disrupt organisations involved in foreign power threat activity. Additionally, the UK and EU issued their first joint cyber sanctions package, targeting Russian state, criminal, and proxy networks responsible for cyber-attacks across Europe.
The UK expressed its continued support for Ukraine, noting Russia's ongoing aggression and its economic, environmental, and humanitarian damage. The UK welcomed OSCE efforts to assess the war's environmental consequences and support Ukraine's recovery.