In a significant address on Wednesday, the UK government reiterated its commitment to upholding collective security and defending democratic values in the face of rising great power competition and resurgent authoritarianism. The remarks came as the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) held an extraordinary meeting in Helsinki, Finland.
The OSCE’s role in promoting stability and resilience across the European region was praised by UK officials, who acknowledged the organisation’s valuable work in holding participating states accountable for upholding the commitments of the Helsinki Final Act. The comprehensive conflict toolkit, election observation missions, and field operations all delivered real impact on the ground, supporting stability and resilience.
However, as new threats emerge, the UK government emphasized the need to reaffirm core principles that underpin collective security. “Abandoning those principles invites instability,” a senior official said. The Helsinki Final Act remains a landmark document, setting out the basic rules for international relations agreed upon by both sides of the Cold War divide.
The UK’s support for Ukraine is seen as a test of its determination to defend these principles. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, the UK has worked through the OSCE to expose Russia’s violations of the Helsinki principles, including invoking the Moscow Mechanism on Russia’s treatment of Prisoners of War alongside 40 other countries.
Russia must demonstrate it is serious about peace by accepting the Ukrainian-US ceasefire proposal and returning to its Helsinki commitments. However, upholding these principles also requires looking forward, with a focus on adapting the OSCE to meet the demands of the future.
The UK has welcomed discussions that have helped identify practical ways to restore the organisation’s effectiveness. This includes a meaningful role for civil society in recognition that lasting security comes from cooperation, not just between states, but within societies. The UK looks forward to working with Finland and all participating states to carry this momentum through to the Ministerial Council and beyond.
In conclusion, the OSCE plays a critical role in promoting stability and resilience across the European region. As the UK government reaffirms its commitment to collective security, it is essential that the organisation adapts to meet the demands of the future. By working together, the UK and other participating states can support the OSCE in fulfilling its core mission.
Key points from today’s discussions include:
- Practical ways to restore the OSCE’s effectiveness
- A meaningful role for civil society in promoting cooperation within societies
- The need for Russia to accept the Ukrainian-US ceasefire proposal and return to its Helsinki commitments
The UK looks forward to continuing this discussion with Finland and all participating states to support the OSCE in fulfilling its core mission.