Finland Assumes OSCE Chairmanship in 2025, Prioritising Support for Ukraine

On 1 January, Finland took over the chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) from Malta and unveiled its priorities for this year. The country has prioritised ways to strengthen the resilience of OSCE participating states. Supporting the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine also remains a central focus of the OSCE.

‘Today we face an unprecedented need to defend this collectively agreed security order. As the Helsinki Final Act celebrates its 50th anniversary, Finland will consistently emphasise the principles set out in this founding document of the OSCE. When Russia challenges the foundations of our common security, the rest of us must stand up and be counted,’ said Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, the new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

Despite the challenges faced by the organisation, Finland stresses the importance of strengthening the OSCE as a security actor and a forum for political dialogue.

The Finnish Chairmanship plans to establish the Helsinki+50 Fund in cooperation with participating States and the OSCE Secretariat to support the work of the organisation.

‘The fund aims to improve the channelling and use of voluntary contributions for work that is in line with OSCE principles, as well as to facilitate interaction between donors and beneficiaries. The Fund will also contribute to strengthening civil society,’ said Valtonen.

Earlier, on 30 December, the current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Jan Borg, announced the election of Switzerland as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in 2026.