OSCE Special Representative Erler and Secretary General Zannier, at European Parliament Committee, highlight fields of co-operation with the EU

BRUSSELS, 30 August 2016 - Gernot Erler, Special Representative of the Federal Government of Germany for the OSCE Chairmanship, and Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the OSCE, today spoke about OSCE-EU co-operation during an address to the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs in Brussels.

Erler noted the fields of co-operation between the EU and the OSCE, summarized the work of Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship so far, and briefed parliamentarians on the outlook for the coming months.

He highlighted the OSCE’s indispensable work in conflict management and other fields, and underlined the value of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security for facing new challenges to common security in the OSCE area. “We have at our disposal proven and effective institutions and structures for co-operation and security,” said Erler. “It is the responsibility of all participating States to make full use of this potential.”‎

Zannier spoke about areas of ongoing co-operation between the EU and the OSCE.

"The EU can and should play a key role in strengthening and empowering the OSCE," he said. "The OSCE offers a platform for dialogue and for initiatives to address regional and global issues that can complement EU-Russia relations, as well as a forum to address security challenges and relationships in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian space, including arms control and military transparency.”