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08.12.2025 Statement for briefing on OSCE

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 08.12.2025

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Thank you, Madam President,

 

Let me also thank the Chairperson-in-Office, Foreign Minister Valtonen, for her highly valuable briefing and for her dedicated and strong leadership of the OSCE this year.

 

50 years ago, in the depths of the Cold War, nations from across Europe and beyond came together in common cause to adopt the Helsinki Final Act.

 

It set a bold vision for the future of Europe.

 

A future defined not by war, but by peaceful cooperation through shared values, common rules and norms.

 

Since that day in 1975, the OSCE has worked tirelessly to turn this vision into a reality.

 

50 years later, our aspiration for a peaceful and stable Europe endures. However, today, that aspiration is under direct assault by one of OSCE’s own members.

 

Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is a violation of the very principles upon which the OSCE was built.

 

No region will ever be truly safe if borders can be changed by brute force.

 

The OSCE has been vital in supporting accountability efforts in Ukraine. The OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism has documented severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by Russian forces in Ukraine.

 

This important work must continue. History has taught us that documentation of war crimes matters for accountability. And accountability matters for building just and lasting peace.

 

The vast majority of the OSCE members are united in their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. Russia, on the other hand, continues to dismiss calls for a ceasefire and shows no willingness to peace. Instead, Russia insists on unacceptable demands while relentlessly attacking Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure.

 

Madam President,

 

It is not only in Ukraine Russia is causing instability. Hybrid activities against the European Union and its neighbouring countries have increased.

 

The endangering of Moldova’s democracy is one clear example of that.

 

Despite Russia’s efforts, the people of Moldova continue to cooperate actively with the OSCE and have chosen to move resolutely towards membership of the European Union. They have our full support.

 

Madam President, in closing,

 

Denmark remains steadfast in our commitment to the OSCE and to its goal of promoting dialogue and cooperation in Europe.

 

From Moldova, to the Western Balkans, from Central Asia to the South Caucasus. The OSCE has been working tirelessly for the security of the people in Europe and beyond. For example, by developing standard-setting mechanisms in the field of conventional arms control and election monitoring.

 

This year’s anniversary is therefore not only a moment of remembrance, but a call for renewed purpose.

 

We still believe in a peaceful Europe. We still believe in sovereign equality and territorial integrity. And we still believe in dialogue instead of war. We urge Russia to return to those principles and to recommit to security and economic collaboration in Europe.

 

I thank you.