Statement by the OSCE Troika on the Helsinki+50 discussion on the future of the OSCE

VIENNA, 3 December 2025 - Today, the OSCE Troika – Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg, and Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis – made the following statement ahead of the 32^nd OSCE Ministerial Council:

"Throughout 2025, Finland, supported by the OSCE Troika, has conducted the Helsinki+50 discussions on the future of the OSCE, engaging all participating States, Partners for Co-operation, OSCE executive structures, the Parliamentary Assembly, and civil society representatives. These discussions have been held in a challenging context, which continues to be marked by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, a grave and unprecedented violation of the OSCE’s principles.

The aim of the H+50 discussions has been to ensure that the OSCE continues to deliver on its core mandates, firmly anchored in the Helsinki principles. At the same time, the Helsinki+50 discussions have provided a useful avenue for discussing OSCE reform. 

The OSCE Troika echoes the main conclusions from the Helsinki+50 discussions: 

1. The Helsinki principles and the concept of comprehensive security remain valid and vital to our common security. They must continue to guide the OSCE and future discussions on European security.
2. The OSCE continues to serve as a valued forum for inclusive dialogue. Accountability for violations of principles and commitments remains a fundamental task. States should continue to explore new formats for respectful, substantive dialogue, building on the Finnish Chair’s experiences this year.
3. To remain effective and relevant, the OSCE needs to modernize. A swift adoption of a budget is essential for any modernization efforts to succeed. Many proposed functionality improvements do not require consensus. Measures could include medium-term strategic plans by the executive structures, as well as making full use of the Helsinki+50 Fund to support strategic management of extra-budgetary funds.
4. Discussions on reforms requiring consensus should continue. States should continue working towards more ambitious reforms in line with the H+50 Discussion conclusions. These may include decoupling the post table from the budget, as well as agreeing on biannual budget allotments and more sustainable fallback options in the absence of a budget. A system of rotating Chairpersonships may also be considered.

In the current challenging circumstances, the OSCE Troika will continue to focus on the future of our Organization beyond 2025 with the ambition to achieve tangible results by the next Ministerial Council 2026. 

During the Helsinki+50 discussions, participating States called for more prioritization by the executive structures, focusing on the areas where the OSCE delivers unique value. The OSCE Troika stands ready to support these efforts, in close consultation with participating States and executive structures. 

The principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act – including respect for sovereignty of states, territorial integrity, the non-use of force, and respect for human rights – remain the foundation of our common security and form the basis for all our efforts.

Together, we share the responsibility to ensure that the OSCE is fully equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years."