Finland has assumed the annual presidency of the OSCE.

Finland assumed the presidency of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Wednesday, January 1. The country will focus on upholding the principles of the OSCE and supporting Ukraine.

As reported by RBK-Ukraine, this information is stated in a message on the OSCE website.

"Today we face an unprecedented necessity to defend this collectively agreed security order. As the Helsinki Final Act marks its 50th anniversary, Finland will consistently emphasize the principles outlined in this foundational OSCE document," said Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. She is the new acting chair of the OSCE.

According to her, in times when Russia challenges the foundations of collective security, everyone must stand firm in their defense.

The statement indicated that Finland prioritizes ways to enhance the resilience of OSCE participating states. Furthermore, Finland will place Ukraine at the center of the organization's work. Supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains a central focus of the OSCE's activities.

"The fund aims to improve the direction and use of voluntary contributions for work aligned with OSCE principles, as well as to facilitate interaction between donors and beneficiaries. The fund will also promote the strengthening of civil society," Valtonen noted.

OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting

Previously, we reported that from December 4 to 5, the 31st annual meeting of the OSCE Foreign Ministers took place in Malta. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in attendance. This marked his first trip to an EU country since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

At that time, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga did not listen to Lavrov's speech, as he left the OSCE plenary session before the Russian colleague began his address. Several foreign ministers and diplomats followed his example.