VIENNA / STOCKHOLM, 16 July 2020 – With the current pandemic putting a severe strain on societies all over the world, Sweden will take on the OSCE Chair in truly challenging times. This calls for a focus on the very fundamentals of the OSCE: the European security order, the comprehensive concept of security and continued efforts to resolve conflicts in the OSCE region, said Sweden’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Robert Rydberg today, as he addressed the Permanent Council on the incoming Chair’s priority areas.

Recalling the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, Rydberg said that “the European security order – territorial integrity, refraining from the threat or use of force and upholding the right of each country to choose its own foreign and security arrangement – constitutes a core security policy interest for my own country. It is in the interest of the whole OSCE region.”

He said that Sweden’s primary focus as Chair “will have to be to go back to basics” and the fundamental tasks of the OSCE, reminding participating States that it is high time to live up to the common commitments laid down in the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter of 1990.

Turning to the conflicts in the OSCE area, Rydberg said that efforts to resolve these will be at the very top of the incoming Chair’s agenda. On the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area, he said that Sweden would support the efforts to bring these conflicts closer to a resolution.

Rydberg expressed deep concern about the increased violence and the loss of life along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“We support the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ambassador Kasprzyk in their efforts to de-escalate the situation,” he said.

Rydberg also specifically mentioned the crisis in and around Ukraine and noted that it remains one of the most blatant and recent challenges to the European security order.

“As Chair we will continue to build on the dedicated efforts of our predecessors in finding a sustainable political solution to the conflict, in line with OSCE principles and commitments. This must be in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” Rydberg stated.

Rydberg emphasized the uniqueness of OSCE’s comprehensive and multi-dimensional concept of security and the strength of an approach in which political and economic security, human rights and democracy are intertwined. He pointed to efforts and initiatives in the first dimension, not least by the Albanian Chair, to further the agenda for women, peace and security and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 as imperative and something Sweden will build on.

“The inclusion and meaningful participation of women are vital for the successful prevention and mitigation of conflicts, as well as for consolidating peace when hostilities have ended,” Rydberg said.

The second dimension – the economic and environmental dimension – remains a key component of the OSCE comprehensive approach to security, he said. With women often lacking access to social protection and the security that follows from equal participation in economic life, Sweden aims to dedicate resources and efforts to promoting gender equality.

Rydberg said that democratic values, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are being challenged and eroded throughout the OSCE region. The current pandemic has accelerated the risk of democratic backsliding in participating States. Against that backdrop, the human dimension of OSCE’s comprehensive security concept is imperative for our common security and it will be at the very core of Sweden’s OSCE Chair.

“The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media will be key priorities in the human dimension during 2021, as will strengthening democratic processes, increasing civic space and promoting human rights and democracy,” Rydberg said.

He underlined the tireless efforts of OSCE’s autonomous institutions: “Their work is vital in assisting participating States to uphold OSCE commitments and principles, and to prevent conflicts through supporting democracy and free media and protecting national minorities.”

Concluding his address, he reminded the participating States of the OSCE’s vital role in addressing the evolving security challenges of today: “In an era where our security is challenged through increasingly complex threats, it is through dialogue, inclusion and respect for agreed principles that we have a chance to make a real difference. The OSCE can make a difference. As Chair, we will try to do our part. And we will count on the support of all of you.”

Rydberg addressed the Permanent Council remotely from Stockholm on behalf of Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde. Sweden will take over the OSCE Chair from Albania on 1 January 2021 with Linde serving as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.