Italy to chair the OSCE in 2018

Italy is to chair the OSCE in 2018, following a consensus decision of the OSCE’s 57 participating States on 27 July 2016. “This decision fully represents the recognition of our country’s commitment and desire to actively contribute to peace and stability in Europe,” said Italy’s Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Rome, welcoming the decision.

“A solution to the crisis in and around Ukraine and the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area (Nagorno-Karabakh, Georgia and Transdniestria); the flows of migrants and refugees; and a strengthened partnership with countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, will be at the core of our agenda during our Chairmanship,” added Gentiloni.

In the run up to its Chairmanship, Italy will join the OSCE Troika consisting of the previous, current and succeeding OSCE Chairmanships on 1 January 2017. Italy will therefore next year work closely with Germany (2016 Chair) and Austria (2017 Chair) in its function as Chair of the Contact Group with the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.
 

Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Germany’s Ambassador Eberhard Pohl thanked Italy for its readiness to chair the Organization in 2018.

“The OSCE is dependent on the resolve and good will of its participating States, each and every one, to contribute to the well-functioning of this Organization,” said Pohl. “One way to translate the commitment to co-operative security in Europe into real action is to take on the responsibility as Chairmanship. We are looking forward to Italy’s leadership of this Organization and we wish our Italian partners all the best for the important period of preparations in the coming 17 months.”