Statement by H.E. Ms. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, at the UNSC Briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

I would like to thank Minister Valtonen for her comprehensive briefing, and to commend her and Finland for the excellent work done since assuming the OSCE Chairpersonship, which culminated in the success of the Ministerial Council meeting in Vienna last week.

OSCE has always had a special place in our hearts, as it was the first international organization that Slovenia joined as an independent country.

The OSCE’s work is carried out alongside and in close cooperation with the United Nations. The two organizations share the same fundamental principles and commitments. OSCE continues to deliver important outcomes for European security. Its valuable and extensive confidence- and security-building measures, as well as its autonomous institutions and field missions, contribute to reducing risks, promoting transparency and building confidence.

For decades, OSCE – the largest regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter – embodied a comprehensive approach to security. An approach, which acknowledges that peace is more than the absence of war. An approach, which recognizes that true peace requires respect for human rights, democratic governance, media freedom, economic cooperation, and environmental responsibility.

This unique method of fostering peace places the organization and its participating states in a remarkable position to address contemporary security challenges. The organization can address the accelerating threats to democratic institutions, such as disinformation campaigns and hybrid actions. In addition, OSCE is capable of addressing climate change and related risks, which are increasingly becoming a “threat multiplier”.

In this connection, I would like to commend Finland for placing the broader triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, high on the OSCE agenda. Slovenia is honored to have contributed to these discussions as the Chair of the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee this year.

Minister Valtonen,

Your Chairpersonship came at a particularly symbolic moment, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act – a cornerstone of European Security and a foundation to OSCE’s identity. I was honored to participate at its commemoration Conference this summer in Helsinki.

However, we marked this historic moment at a time of profound crisis. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. It has shaken the very foundation of European security.

Slovenia supports Finland’s prioritization of Ukraine. We consider it paramount to continue to uphold the principles and commitments of the organization and to monitor closely the war on Ukraine. In this connection, Slovenia welcomes OSCE‘s efforts in ensuring full accountability for gross violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

However, despite very real constraints, the OSCE remains an indispensable instrument of maintenance of international peace and security. Even in moments of unprecedented political tension, the OSCE is an essential channel for dialogue. This unique organization and its achievements need to be preserved – Europe’s security and prosperity demand it.

In conclusion, I wish to express Slovenia’s full support to Switzerland, as the future Chairpersonship-in-Office, in upholding the effectiveness, resilience and functionality of this truly remarkable Organization.

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