Reaffirming Helsinki Principles must lead to concrete action, says Chairperson-in-Office at opening of 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna

VIENNA, 4 December 2025 — “We can do better. We can be bolder,” said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen at the opening of the 32^nd OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna today. She encouraged the assembled foreign ministers, state secretaries and high-level officials from the 57 OSCE participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation to honor the spirit of Helsinki by strengthening the OSCE for decades to come.

In her opening remarks, Valtonen emphasized how upholding OSCE core principles, responding to today’s urgent challenges, and preparing the Organization for the future have been three guiding principles shaping every initiative taken by the Finnish Chairpersonship throughout the year:

“Respect for the Helsinki principles has been our foundation. The principles define the OSCE’s purpose and legitimacy.”

During the Chairpersonship, Finland launched the Helsinki+50 Fund to strengthen the OSCE’s operational capacity and strategic focus. The Fund has already attracted pledges of over €17 million from 17 countries. 

In her opening speech, Minister Valtonen also stressed that the context has remained exceptionally difficult.

“In Ukraine, Russia is violating each of the Helsinki principles. I call on all of us to support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace – as soon as possible. Because I am convinced that the way this war ends—and its legitimacy under international law and OSCE principles—will decisively shape the future of peace and stability across the OSCE region and beyond,” Minister Valtonen said.

She emphasized that the Helsinki+50 Discussions, initiated under Finland’s Chairpersonship, have demonstrated that the Helsinki principles must continue to guide the OSCE and future discussions on European security. The OSCE is a key forum for inclusive dialogue. Principles and commitments should frame dialogue and efforts to ensure accountability. 

"To respond effectively, the OSCE must modernize. Helsinki+50 Discussions have produced concrete proposals—some already under implementation. Let us honor the spirit of Helsinki by strengthening the OSCE for decades to come. Let us defend the rules-based order—not only in words, but through actions. And let us ensure this Organization remains capable, credible, and prepared to respond—today and in the future,” said Valtonen.

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons Sampietro underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue as the foundation of lasting peace and stability.

“Accountability must be universal, without double standards. The OSCE must remain a bridge: Firm when red lines are crossed, open when opportunities emerge,” said OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pons (MP, Spain).

The Ministerial Council will conclude on 5 December. Finland will formally pass the Chairpersonship to Switzerland at the end of December. Switzerland will Chair the OSCE in 2026.

Follow the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council meeting on 4-5 December:

• Follow on X via #OSCEMC2025 and @OSCE
• Watch the livestream of the opening session, closing session and final press conference: OSCE Live | OSCE
• View all the pictures on Flickr