Malta is hosting the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council, marking a landmark moment in our history. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, who also serves as the OSCE Chair-in-Office, delivered a comprehensive and impassioned speech outlining the Organisation’s challenges and Malta’s role as a bridge-builder in international diplomacy.

Malta’s Legacy in Peacebuilding

Ian Borg opened his speech by invoking Malta’s storied history of diplomacy. Reflecting on the iconic 1989 meeting between George H.W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev on Malta’s stormy shores, he emphasised the island’s enduring commitment to peace and dialogue. “Despite our size, my country has always sought to maximise its contribution to the international community,” he stated, reinforcing Malta’s reputation as a steadfast advocate for multilateralism and cooperation.

Borg framed the OSCE’s gathering against a backdrop of escalating global tensions and conflicts, drawing parallels between the Cold War era and today’s geopolitical rivalries. “Today, as then, Malta stands as a staunch defender of peace and dialogue in the face of seemingly insurmountable differences and challenges.”

A Stark Assessment of Global and Institutional Crises

The Maltese Chairpersonship assumed leadership of the OSCE at a time of significant global upheaval. Borg highlighted the overlapping crises facing the Organisation, most notably the ongoing war in Ukraine, which he described as “a systemic threat to European security.” He reflected on the deteriorating security environment, stating, “Tomorrow has come, and little has changed. If anything, the situation has deteriorated.”

Borg did not shy away from addressing the OSCE’s internal struggles. He pointed out critical deficiencies, including the lack of senior leadership since September, the absence of a Unified Budget since 2021, and the unresolved question of future chairmanship. He described these challenges as symptomatic of a “broader crisis of our collective commitment to multilateralism,” warning that the principles and institutions underpinning international peace for nearly eight decades are under threat.

Malta’s Leadership During Turbulent Times

Despite these challenges, Borg expressed pride in Malta’s proactive leadership. He lauded the efforts of his Chairpersonship team in Vienna, led by Ambassador Natasha Meli Daudey, for navigating the Organisation through turbulent times. Under the motto “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security,” Malta has focused on reinforcing the OSCE’s pillars while upholding its core principles.

Borg invoked Malta’s Fort Ricasoli and its lighthouse as symbols of the OSCE’s resilience and guiding principles. “The lighthouse represents our principles and commitments, providing guidance as we navigate turbulent times. The fort stands for the OSCE’s resilience as a bastion of indivisible security.”

Condemning Russia’s Aggression

In unequivocal terms, Borg condemned Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, calling it a “flagrant breach” of international obligations. He demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory and called for an end to recent escalations, emphasising the need for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”

He also highlighted the plight of three OSCE staff members detained in Ukraine, naming Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov, and urged their immediate release. “This injustice must end, and they must be returned safely to their families,” he declared.

Borg praised the OSCE’s efforts in Ukraine, including the Support Programme for Ukraine, which has helped the country’s resilient population mitigate the war’s impacts. He underlined the OSCE’s potential role in a post-war settlement, stating, “The OSCE must remain determined to facilitate and accompany a meaningful, result-oriented dialogue to build peace in and for Ukraine.”

Advancing Broader Security Agendas

Borg highlighted Malta’s efforts to address a wide range of security issues during its Chairpersonship. The OSCE’s initiatives have included advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue, and addressing the effects of climate change and cyber threats on security. Borg also underscored the importance of media literacy and journalist safety in combating disinformation.

“Our visits to countries affected by protracted conflicts have shown me that the OSCE has the right instruments to address outstanding disagreements and contribute to sustainable diplomatic solutions,” he noted. Borg personally visited almost all OSCE Field Operations in Eastern Europe, South Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, praising the dedication of over 2,000 OSCE staff.

However, he raised concerns about the impact of financial and institutional uncertainty on OSCE missions. “For the OSCE to endure, for it to keep serving our communities, it needs to be functional,” he stressed, calling on participating states to provide the necessary resources and leadership to ensure the Organisation’s effectiveness.

Critical Decisions and the Future of the OSCE

Borg turned to the urgent matters at hand: appointing OSCE leadership, approving the Unified Budget, and deciding on future chairmanships. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in appointing a new Secretary General and Heads of Institution but warned that unresolved budgetary and leadership decisions threaten the Organisation’s functionality.

He commended Cyprus for its bid to chair the OSCE in 2027 and called for political consensus to move forward. “We can write history together. Of this, I am convinced. What we can no longer do is kick the can down the road – because we have run out of road,” he said.

A Call for Unity and Responsibility

Throughout his address, Borg emphasised the importance of collective responsibility among OSCE participating states. He reminded delegates that the OSCE’s strength lies in its ability to act as a bridge between diverse nations and perspectives. “We are talking about preserving one of the few bridges we have left,” he said, urging states to prioritise dialogue and consensus-building.

Borg concluded with a rallying cry for decisive action, underscoring the stakes for the Organisation’s future. “The decisions we take over the next two days will determine whether we can finally set this Organisation on a path towards a more sustainable, effective, and resilient future. Let’s get it done.”

Malta’s Legacy as a Diplomatic Leader

Ian Borg’s address was both a reflection of Malta’s proud history in international diplomacy and a stark reminder of the challenges facing the OSCE and the broader global order. By hosting the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council, Malta reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and peacebuilding, cementing its role as a small nation with a significant voice on the world stage. Borg’s speech called on the international community to rise to the occasion and ensure the OSCE remains a beacon of stability and dialogue in an increasingly fractured world.