1.Mr Chair, as Russia has again disrespectfully decided to arbitrarily block our discussions and prevent this Forum from carrying out its function as a platform for dialogue, we wish to reaffirm our staunch support for you and your team in these challenging circumstances. Your unwavering and resolute determination is key to ensuring this Forum functions in line with its mandate.
2.The EU and its Member States condemn the tactics of the Russian Federation to prevent formal debate and only allow its own representatives to deliver their desired messages in the FSC while denying the other delegates the possibility to speak on pressing politico-military matters, most of all on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s ‘à la carte’ approach of deciding week by week whether or not to block plenary discussions for its own benefits does not reflect well on the importance of this Forum and shows a total disrespect for the Chair and the core values of this Organisation.
3.It is obvious that Russia does not want to hear that an overwhelming majority of delegations present in this room urge it to immediately stop its war of aggression,to put an end to the unbearable devastation and suffering Russia is inflicting on Ukraine and its people, and to completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Russia does also not want to hear that its war of aggression is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter,and the OSCE’s core principles and commitments.
4.Having only one delegation, the Russian Federation, arbitrarily and unilaterally deciding if all participating States can have formal discussions and when, goes against the spirit of this Forum. We will not tire of confronting the Russian Federation with its war of aggression against Ukraine and other violations of comprehensive security, in line with the FSC Rules of Procedure which clearly say that
FSC meetings shall take place, as a rule, once a week, and we will strive for this Forum to deliver on its mandate.

Thank you.

The Candidate Countries NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, ALBANIA*, UKRAINE, the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, and GEORGIA, the EFTA countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the European Economic Area, as well as ANDORRA and SAN MARINO align themselves with this statement.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.