1. The European Union thanks the United States for raising this issue. In light of common threats to security, the EU remains committed to advancing the agenda of the Economic and Environmental Dimension, in order to achieve comprehensive security in line with OSCE principles and commitments. We must maintain a balanced focus on both economic and environmental strands, while ensuring the inclusion of relevant stakeholders, such as the private sector, OSCE field operations, civil society, and academia in our discussions. We also attach great importance to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls and the inclusion of a youth perspective in programmes and activities related to the Second Dimension.

2. The Second Dimension is an integral part of the OSCE’s comprehensive security approach. We reiterate our strong support for the priorities of Finland’s Chairpersonship this year, including efforts to build resilience to security threats caused by climate change. The EU recognises the links between climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and security, and remains committed to working with partners to address these interrelated challenges, with particular attention to the most vulnerable. The relevant 2021 Stockholm Ministerial Council Decision remains an important tool for addressing the effects of climate change, including from a security perspective - the main focus of this Organisation - and provides an excellent basis for the OSCE’s work, particularly in fostering cooperation among participating States through the identification of shared climate challenges and solutions.

3. The EU stresses the need to address the security risks arising from the economic and environmental impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues to severely affect Ukraine’s citizens, economy, and environment, with long-term repercussions across the OSCE area and beyond. In this context, the EU supports the OSCE’s ongoing engagement, including through the SPU.

4. We believe that strengthening the Second Dimension requires a clearer strategic orientation, results-driven programming, and greater political visibility and local ownership. Avoiding duplication while fostering synergies with other organisations should be a guiding principle. 

5. We appreciate the important work of the OCEEA, notably on tackling corruption, transboundary water management, connectivity, transport and trade facilitation, identifying cross-border climate solutions, and promoting sustainable energy and energy security. We emphasise the need to link these issues to stability and security, underscoring their relevance to the OSCE’s comprehensive approach across all three dimensions.

6. We welcome initiatives to strengthen transparency and promote sustainable growth and economic resilience for citizens, while fostering business-friendly environments in line with the Maastricht 2003 Declaration. In this context, the EU remains firmly committed to building greener and fairer societies and economies in the EU and worldwide, while simplifying rules to boost competitiveness, prosperity, and resilience, and creating space for more innovation, investments and trade. We reiterate that sustainable economic and environmental development must go hand in hand with good governance, rule of law, and respect for human rights. The OSCE’s comprehensive security concept provides a unique platform for linking these elements in a mutually reinforcing way. 

7. In conclusion, we look forward to continued discussions on strengthening the Second Dimension, taking into account the plans and priorities of the OSCE Chairpersonship and the Chair of the Economic and Environmental Committee. 

Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.