Closing statement at the OSCE Ministerial Council

Closing statement at the OSCE Ministerial Council

Closing statement by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, delivered by Vice Minister Pasi Rajala at the Closing Session of the OSCE Ministerial Council 5 December 2025.

Mister Chair,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

This has been our fourth Ministerial Council meeting since Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.

As we have heard throughout this 32nd Ministerial Council, the war strikes at the heart of Europe's security order. It weakens the OSCE and the principles it stands for.

Foreign Minister Valtonen reminded us at the start of Finland's Chairpersonship that when one State challenges the foundations of our common security, the rest of us must be prepared to defend them with even greater resolve.

That is what we have done - together, and with the overwhelming support of OSCE participating States.

We will continue to support Ukraine, and we will continue to ensure that Russia is held accountable.

***

In 2025 we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Declaration.

But we also got to work to prepare this Organisation for the next 50 years.

The energy and dedication you all showed for the Helsinki+50 discussions reflect our shared commitment to OSCE's vital work.

Together, we have reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Helsinki principles.

These principles, including

• respect for sovereignty of states,
• territorial integrity,
• the non-use of force, and
• respect for human rights

are the purpose of this organisation and the foundation of European security, also going forward.

This Ministerial Council has also made clear that there is broad willingness to advance OSCE reform.

It is now up to us - the participating States - to provide direction.

As Chair-in-Office Valtonen said, the OSCE needs a clear vision and mission to guide these reforms. Finland has worked to shape that vision, and we remain committed to it as part of the Troika.

Colleagues,

We must strengthen the OSCE for the future and reinforce its role on the ground.

Already in 2024, as incoming Chair, Finland began leading contingency planning for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

After intensive preparation, we can say with confidence that the OSCE is ready to contribute. The Organization has deep experience in monitoring and verification, in supporting the withdrawal of forces and weaponry, and in facilitating military-to-military contacts.

We have also worked closely with the OSCE's autonomous institutions to prepare for their post-war roles, and they are ready with concrete plans.

Now two institutional issues require our urgent and decisive attention: the 2026 budget, and the Chairpersonships for 2027 and beyond. We will engage tirelessly - and in close consultation with all participating States - to reach consensus on these issues.

Finally, Finland extends its sincere gratitude to
• participating States
• Partners for Co-operation;
• to the OSCE's executive structures, field operations, autonomous institutions, and
• Parliamentary Assembly;

We also appreciate the civil society, whose cooperation and support has been invaluable.

We, the participating States, carry the responsibility to equip the OSCE for the challenges of the next half-century. The inclusive Helsinki+50 discussions have laid a strong foundation.

We welcome Switzerland's commitment to carry this work forward in 2026.

We wish you every success.

You can count on Finland's firm support. Thank you.