The UK has taken over the Chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Forum for Security Co-operation for the next four months. Minister for Europe, Lord Wood of Anfield, outlined the UK's priorities, which include focusing on Ukraine, promoting dialogue, and managing security risks.
Lord Wood emphasised the need to assess whether the OSCE remains effective in a more dangerous Europe, citing Russia's aggression against Ukraine as having changed the assumptions of European security. He stated that the UK intends to use its time as Chair to focus on future challenges and ensure the OSCE can support regional stability.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of principles and dialogue, stating that the UK will continue to stand with Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions. He noted that the Forum provides a crucial platform for countries to discuss shared security challenges, aiming to prevent disagreements from escalating.
Looking to the future, Lord Wood called for critical thinking on whether current mechanisms can manage risks in Europe. He stated that the UK will encourage discussions on the future fitness of these mechanisms during its chairmanship.