The leadership of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) met in Strasbourg on the margins of the 133rd Session of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May. The discussions were led by OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg and the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of Liechtenstein, along with Council of Europe Secretary General, Marija Pejčinović Burić.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which has inflicted devastating damage, destruction, and suffering on Ukraine, and its people. The participants discussed both organizations' efforts to promote and protect their common values while ensuring accountability and justice for Ukraine and its people. The participants further reiterated their call, to provide continued support to Ukraine in addressing multiple and unprecedented challenges the country is facing.
An emphasis was placed on the importance of fostering collaboration and synergies between the OSCE and the Council of Europe, particularly as Malta prepares for its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from May to November 2025. In improving collaboration and cooperation, both organisations are better equipped to safeguard the European multilateral system.
