Last Updated on Thursday, 12 December, 2024 at 12:45 pm by Andre Camilleri
From 5–6 December 2024, Malta became the epicentre of global diplomacy as it hosted the 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The event, held in Ta’ Qali, brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from the OSCE’s 57 participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation. It placed Malta firmly in the international spotlight, with discussions dominated by the war in Ukraine and the tense relations between Russia and the West.
The 31st OSCE Ministerial Council convened against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, marked by escalating concerns over election interference in Moldova, Georgia’s suspension of its EU accession process, and the unfolding situation in Syria expected to reshape power dynamics in the Middle East.
The meeting gained worldwide attention, with the geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the West dominating headlines, particularly the clash between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over Ukraine. One headline, “Russia’s Lavrov in Malta: A War of Words”, vividly captured the diplomatic tensions palpable in Ta’ Qali. Blinken and Lavrov were anticipated to face off in what some commentators described as the most significant meeting since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Accusations flew, and reports of walkouts highlighted the deep divisions within the OSCE.
Adding another layer to the geopolitical intrigue, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump hinted at plans to mediate a lasting resolution to the conflict once in office. His remarks underscored the United States’ critical role in the conflict and reinforced expectations for its involvement in future OSCE dialogues.
The OSCE, established during the Cold War, remains a cornerstone of European security and diplomacy. Its comprehensive approach to security spans political, military, economic, environmental, and human dimensions. The Ministerial Council, the organization’s highest decision-making body, meets annually to review progress and set priorities.
This year’s meeting, chaired by Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, focused on pressing global challenges, with Ukraine dominating the agenda. However, the Council also addressed institutional matters, including appointing new leaders for key OSCE positions.
On the sidelines of the main event, a range of side events showcased the OSCE’s multidimensional approach to security, emphasising collaboration on issues that go beyond military or political concerns. Among the most notable were discussions on democratic resilience in the face of rising authoritarianism, strategies for combatting climate-related security risks, and initiatives to enhance gender equality within peacebuilding processes. These discussions not only reinforced the OSCE’s holistic perspective on security but also provided a platform for civil society, academic experts, and government representatives to exchange ideas and propose forward-looking solutions.
As chair-in-office, Malta played a pivotal role in navigating the OSCE through one of its most challenging periods, marked by institutional paralysis and fundamental geopolitical divisions. Malta assumed the OSCE Chairpersonship at the last minute in 2024 after Russia vetoed Estonia’s planned leadership, stepping in during a period of deep geopolitical divisions and institutional paralysis. Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Malta prioritized resilience, multilateralism, and inclusivity, leveraging its neutrality and position as a United Nations Security Council member to build trust among all 57 participating States. Hosting the Council at a critical juncture, Malta successfully guided negotiations that culminated in a new leadership team for the OSCE, a step Borg described as a “lifeline” for the organization. While acknowledging the difficulties of achieving consensus, Malta’s chairpersonship underscored its capacity to foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders and laid a foundation for a more resilient OSCE. Borg’s emphasis on anti-fragility and Malta’s legacy as a neutral mediator solidified the island nation’s reputation as a committed contributor to peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.
The 31st OSCE Ministerial Council concluded with significant achievements that underline the organization’s resilience in the face of geopolitical divisions. The Council reached consensus on key institutional decisions, including the appointment of a new leadership team, providing the OSCE with robust guidance amid escalating global security challenges. These appointments, achieved through months of complex negotiations, mark a milestone for the organization’s functionality, even in times of deep political discord. Despite challenges, including the lack of agreement on the OSCE budget and future chairpersonships, the decisions made during the Council reaffirmed the relevance of multilateralism and the organization’s commitment to addressing urgent security issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. The meeting also set the stage for Finland to assume the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2025, with a focus on resilience and the principles of the Helsinki Final Act on its 50th anniversary.
To conclude, the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council will be remembered for its high-stakes diplomacy and institutional milestones making headlines. For Malta, the meeting was an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on the global stage, reinforce its reputation as a neutral and reliable mediator, and contribute to shaping the future of European and global security.
