Common solutions to Europe’s security challenges at the heart of OSCE Chairman-in-Office’s visit to Brussels

BRUSSELS, 31 January 2023 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions that put people, their safety and well-being, first to address the security challenges facing Europe during his visit to Brussels today.  

“I came to Brussels as OSCE Chairman-in-Office to explore solutions and offer avenues for co-operation in the light of war of aggression against Ukraine and associated growing tensions across the OSCE region.”

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani met with Josep Borrell, High Representative/Vice-President of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. He also met with Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, in charge of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, and European Emergency Response Coordinator. The Chairman also met with Miroslav Lajčák, the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues and other high-level officials.

”Both the OSCE and the EU, despite their different raisons d’étre, are founded on strong pillars of values and vision for the future. The EU and OSCE values and roles largely correspond, both in spirit and letter,” he said following the meeting.  

“Today, when our human, collective and cooperative security is at stake, we need to work together, as hard as ever, to demonstrate our resilience and resoluteness to jointly respond to all pressing challenges to our shared principles. Above all, to support the people and stop human suffering.”

During his visit to Brussels, Chairman-in-Office Osmani met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană and presented the Chairpersonship’s programme to NATO’s North Atlantic Council.

“Ukraine will remain our top priority. We must do our utmost to restore just peace in Ukraine and alleviate human suffering. And it is not only Ukraine. We are witnessing rising frictions across the OSCE region. Regional instability and the potential for new conflicts are real. It is of utmost importance for us to keep a lid on boiling tensions across the OSCE region and beyond. Other crisis settings need our continued attention and engagement,” added Osmani.

“The OSCE’s toolkit is designed to address such situations. Our Organization has a proven track-record in preventing conflicts, diffusing tensions and supporting peace. It is doing good things in supporting people in need.”

“Despite the different nature and purpose, NATO and OSCE have important role to play in the European security architecture and the future of wider continental stability and the security,” he concluded.

The 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia is focused on contributing to the processes of stability and security in the OSCE region. The Chair aims to ensure the OSCE continues its efforts preventing conflict, restoring peace and security, and promoting co-operation. This includes supporting sustainable economic growth and environmental co-operation, as well as upholding human rights and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination.