Dear Colleagues
Thank you for this invitation to present to you some reflections and proposals on the Structured Dialogue. Switzerland is grateful to the Austrian chair for organizing a discussion on this issue. And we are grateful to you, Ambassador Pohl, for your skilful steering of the Structured Dialogue.
Switzerland has long made the case for a dialogue on European security. One thing that we realized during the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2014 is that the Ukraine crisis and the broader crisis of Europe’s liberal security order are interlinked. This is why Switzerland has proposed to address both – the Ukraine crisis and the broader underlying issues that divide us in Europe – in parallel.
There is a need to discuss our strategic estrangement. At the same time, there is an opportunity to identify fields where we have common ground – where we face common threats and can bolster our cooperation. The OSCE is the right platform for both.
Our decision in Hamburg to launch the Structured Dialogue was an important step. From a Swiss perspective, the first sessions of this dialogue have been positive. Discussions have been substantive. And the issues addressed are highly relevant for European security.
A more nuanced picture of threat perceptions has been established. More light has been shed on military doctrines and force postures. We have achieved a better understanding of the military challenges and risks to security in the OSCE area. The imperative of reducing these risks and enhancing transparency has been underlined by many.
As we discuss how to take this dialogue forward, I wish to make four points:
First, political commitment and involvement are key. Participation by representatives from capitals in this dialogue has been a major plus from a Swiss perspective. This format has allowed us to firmly anchor the dialogue at the national level and should be preserved.
Ministers should be involved too. Our common political will is required not only to keep this dialogue meaningful but also to translate its work into concrete common action. There could be periodic ministerial discussions on specific issues that were addressed in the Structured Dialogue. For example, we could have a side event on risk reduction at the Ministerial Council in December.
Second, we should approach this as a longer-term dialogue, with no preconceived outcomes. Overcoming the crisis of European security and rebuilding trust will take time. Topics such as threat perceptions that are both vital and controversial deserve in-depth discussions beyond just one meeting. To provide the Structured Dialogue with a solid basis and perspective, Switzerland will answer favourably the chair’s call for a financial contribution. I encourage you to do so too.
Third, in addition to deepening the topics we have discussed so far, we should also move a step further. We should discuss the instruments that can lead us to more predictability, transparency, restraint and stability in the OSCE area. In our tense security environment, calls for assurances of peaceful intentions are legitimate and should be addressed.
Switzerland believes that relaunching talks on conventional arms control in Europe is one important tool to that end. Doing so will be a confidence and security-building measure in itself. Revitalizing conventional arms control will help minimize the risks that we have identified. It will lead to increased security for all. The Structured Dialogue is a suitable format to start such discussions, and to do so without preconditions.
Final point: there is some debate as to the thematic scope of the Structured Dialogue. Switzerland’s view is that we should stick with the current focus of the Structured Dialogue on the politico-military dimension of the OSCE. Let us preserve thematic cohesion.
At the same time, we fully support the idea of more OSCE dialogue on other pressing issues such as terrorism, cybersecurity, migration and conflicts. The OSCE has suitable formats for these dialogues too, including informal ministerial meetings like today in Mauerbach and today’s roundtable on terrorism.
Dear Colleagues
We owe it to our citizens and to future generations to make a serious effort to resolve our differences. I encourage us all to use the Structured Dialogue as an opportunity to listen to each other, rebuild trust, promote common action and reconsolidate European security.