OSCE Annual Security Review Conference 2022: Statement by Denmark

Statement as delivered by Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Christina Markus Lassen at OSCE 2022 Annual Security Review Conference in the Special Session on the ‘Security Situation in the OSCE area’ on 29 June 2022. 

 

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

 

Denmark aligns itself with the statement delivered yesterday by the representative of the EU External Action Service, but I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity.

 

We come together today against the sombre backdrop of the gravest security and indeed human crisis in the OSCE region since the Second World War.

 

For almost 50 years, the OSCE has been the incarnation of a cooperative approach to European security and the European security architecture. We and those before us have worked long and hard to establish shared principles, political agreements and concrete, day-to-day exchanges in the service of transparency, trust and rules-based security interaction in this region.

 

On 24 February, this delicate and well-balanced order was shattered by Russia’s brutal, unprovoked and unjustifiable attack on Ukraine. Just two days ago, Russia launched a missile attack on a shopping centre in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk. This was yet another strike on civilians and civilian infrastructure by Russian Armed Forces, substantiating the “clear pattern of violations of international humanitarian law” uncovered by the first Moscow Mechanism report. We condemn these attacks and will continue to condemn Russia’s aggression. Russia has blatantly attacked both Ukraine, international law and OSCE commitments. Russia must immediately and unconditionally cease its military actions and withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine. And Belarus must stop enabling Russia’s aggression, making itself an accomplice in this Russian misadventure.

 

With this senseless war, Russia is turning its back on cooperative security in Europe. This message is received loud and clear by Russia’s neighbourhood. We have seen new historic applications to join NATO. EU is moving closer together. In Denmark, a strong popular majority in favour of fully joining the EU’s common defence and security policy after 30 years provides but one example.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

We remain a part of the same neighbourhood. And we require security. Even though the trust that was painstakingly built is gone, those of us who remain committed to a rules based security order should continue to work to preserve our existing structures, commitments and mechanisms. 

 

However, the real value of the rich OSCE toolbox for increasing transparency, building trust and reducing tensions will only resurface when there is political will by all OSCE Participating States to uphold our common commitments.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

In closing, I want to once again reaffirm that Denmark stands firmly by Ukraine and its people. We will do everything we can to support Ukraine. Because that's the right thing to do. The Ukrainians deserve our unequivocal support. 

 

I thank you, Mr. Chair.