Strong multilateral institutions, confidence-building instruments key in addressing divisions, say participants of OSCE Security Days in Berlin

Vienna, 25 June 2016 – The OSCE Security Days event “From Confrontation to Co-operation - Restoring Co-operative Security in Europe”, held in Berlin on 24 June, explored possible ways to use multilateral institutions and confidence-building instruments to keep dialogue and communication channels open, and to foster meaningful co-operation in addressing persistent divisions and mistrust in the OSCE region.

In his keynote address, the Special Representative of the Federal Government of Germany for the OSCE Chairmanship, Gernot Erler, said: “We want to avoid further alienation and loss of trust on all sides. But it is therefore necessary that all OSCE participating States return to compliance with agreed rules. Also, it is not enough only to address the other side when calling for de-escalation. We have to heed this advice ourselves and actively contribute to confidence-building.”

Many speakers agreed that, at a time when much trust has been lost between major international actors and populist pressure is pushing towards confrontational politics, the OSCE is a key platform for dialogue and well-placed to encourage coalition-building to counter transnational threats and challenges. It offers a number of advantages, such as its inclusiveness and comprehensive approach to security, but its potential should be used more fully.

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier called for stronger political leadership within the multilateral frameworks to support flexible and innovative coalitions and involve different actors beyond the purely intergovernmental dimension to revive co-operation in the OSCE area.  “

Discussions highlighted the need to restart discussions on arms control and confidence-building measures. First steps should focus on re-establishing real military-to-military dialogue and seriously discussing modernization and updating existing Confidence and Security-building Measures, such as the Vienna Document.

It was also suggested to work on further developing and refining analytical capabilities that can provide effective tools to better understand each other’s threat perceptions and security narratives. The OSCE can provide the necessary political space and the expertise to start discussions in this direction.

Stressing the role of economic integration as powerful forces for security and stability Secretary General Zannier said “the OSCE’s second dimension – as recognized since the Helsinki Final Act – can be a tool for enhancing connectivity and building trust.

In his concluding summary of the event’s discussions, Secretary General Zannier stressed that in the face of today’s multiple new transnational challenges, we should in no way relent in our efforts to address current and protracted crises.  “On the contrary, strong leadership in multilateral structures is needed, in order to tackle common security threats and restore a culture of co-operation and targeted action”, he said.

The Security Days event “From Confrontation to Co-Operation: Restoring Cooperative Security in Europe” was organized in co-operation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.