Ambassador Holland thanks Finland for hosting the Helsinki +50
Conference, reiterates the UK's support for Ukraine, and welcomes
Conference discussions on OSCE reform and addressing future
challenges.
"Let me begin by thanking Finland for hosting this historically
significant event, and for your principled and committed
Chairpersonship of the OSCE during a challenging time for
European security.
We meet in an era of radical uncertainty - as recognised in the
UK's national security strategy - marked by intensifying great
power competition, resurgent authoritarianism, and the spread of
extremist ideologies.
In this context, the OSCE does invaluable work. Its expert
autonomous institutions play a vital role in holding
participating States to account for upholding the commitments of
the Helsinki Final Act. Its comprehensive conflict toolkit - from
early warning to dialogue facilitation - remains unmatched. Its
election observation missions and field operations continue to
deliver real impact on the ground, supporting stability and
resilience across our shared region.
But as we face new threats, we must reaffirm our core principles.
As our Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas
Territories said yesterday, abandoning those principles invites
instability.
The Helsinki Final Act remains a landmark. It sets out the basic
rules that should govern international relations - principles
both sides of the Cold War divide agreed upon. It is a foundation
for collective security. And it is clear: no country can achieve
lasting security by violating the sovereignty of others or
undermining the rules-based order.
Our support for Ukraine is a test of our determination to defend
those principles. Since the full-scale invasion, the UK has
worked through the OSCE to expose Russia's violations of the
Helsinki principles. We did so again last week, invoking the
Moscow Mechanism on Russia's treatment of Prisoners of War
alongside 40 other countries and we do so again today. Russia
must demonstrate it is serious about peace: by accepting the
Ukrainian-US ceasefire proposal and returning to its Helsinki
commitments.
But upholding these principles also requires us to look forward.
If the Helsinki legacy is to endure, the OSCE must adapt to meet
the demands of the future. As custodian of these principles, it
must be able to act, speak and respond with credibility and
agility. This should include a meaningful role for civil society
in recognition that lasting security comes from cooperation, not
just between states, but within societies.
Today's discussions have helped identify practical ways to
restore the organisation's effectiveness. We must continue this
discussion. The UK looks forward to working with Finland and all
participating States to carry this momentum through to the
Ministerial Council and beyond so the OSCE can fulfil its core
mission: serving as a forum for stability, dialogue and
cooperation.
Thank you."
