The 32. Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) took place in Vienna on 4 and 5 December. The organization's annual main meeting focuses on the very tense security situation in Europe and the role of the OSCE.

Deputy Prime Minister Sabine Monauni led the Liechtenstein delegation. In view of the major challenges currently facing the OSCE, the Foreign Minister underlined Liechtenstein's support for this important organization and the multilateral security dialogue with her participation.

Helsinki principles have lost none of their relevance

In view of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975 ("Helsinki+50"), the Ministerial Council focused on the continued relevance of the principles agreed in Helsinki. This is particularly true in the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

The "Helsinki Decalogue" is about important principles that are intended to ensure peace and stability in Europe. They include respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the inviolability of borders, the renunciation of the use of force, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as equality and cooperation between states.

In her speech, Foreign Minister Sabine Monauni emphasized Liechtenstein's support for the basic principles of the OSCE. With regard to the war in Ukraine, this is expressed above all through Liechtenstein's humanitarian commitment and its active support for the issues of accountability and reconstruction in Ukraine.

Importance of the OSCE as a multilateral security platform, also for Liechtenstein

As part of the "Helsinki+50 process", the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship has driven forward discussions on the current and future role of the organization this year. The aim is to ensure the OSCE's institutional functionality and ability to act in times of austerity pressure on international organizations. However, this also includes a strategic debate on the desired thematic or geographical focus of the organization's work.

"The OSCE's concrete work in practice continues to represent an important added value, especially in the area of conflict prevention. This relates in particular to current challenges such as strengthening democratic resilience and dealing with hybrid threats such as disinformation or cyber attacks," said Foreign Minister Sabine Monauni in her speech at the Ministerial Council.

With its comprehensive concept of security, the OSCE is also relevant for addressing the issue of security in Liechtenstein. With this in mind, the Helsinki anniversary this year was used as an opportunity to contribute to raising awareness of security issues among the Liechtenstein population too. These activities included a public event about European security and Liechtenstein's role on 11 November at the Skino in Schaan as well as a special OSCE stamp issue by Philately Liechtenstein.

Deputy Prime Minister Sabine Monauni also used her participation in the Ministerial Council in Vienna for a series of bilateral talks and contacts.

The OSCE will continue to be chaired by Finland until the end of the year, before Switzerland takes over this role for 2026.

Further images can be downloaded at regierung.li/medienportal.

Press contact:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Culture Embassy of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Vienna Dominik Marxer, T +43 664 8812 67 15 dominik.marxer@llv.li

Foto-Credits: OSCE/Finland