So, during a press conference held today at the institution in Vienna, which Lovin Malta attended, Maltese journalist Mario Micallef asked the Minister whether he intends to do the same thing in Moscow – keeping in mind the integral element of dialogue.

However, he did not directly answer this question. Borg stated that there is weekly negotiation with all participating states including Russia, and he said that it is his role to ensure that there is unanimous support for major decisions made at the OSCE because that is essential in keeping the organisation alive, but he did not say whether he would visit Russia to extend that dialogue.

“I will visit Kyiv and do whatever it takes to keep the organisation alive and functioning.”

When asked what exactly he intends to do in Kyiv, Borg said that he will listen.

“I don’t want to transmit the message that I know it all and that I know exactly what they need. I plan to listen.”

He went on to say that one thing he does know for certain is that Ukraine “needs our support” so Malta will continue its sanctions in line with EU expectations, as well as provide financial and non-lethal support.

With regard to the OSCE’s Support Programme in Ukraine, he stated that he will discuss what else is needed with authorities in Kyiv next week.

This will be Borg’s first visit to Ukraine since the start of the war. Minister Owen Bonnici visited the country while European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was the first president of an EU institution to visit Ukraine after Russia’s initial attack in February 2022. She visited in April.

Lovin Malta is currently in Vienna reporting on the OSCE’s Permanent Council’s formal inauguration for 2024 chaired by Borg.

As one of the 57 participant countries, Russia has the power to invoke what is effectively a veto since unanimity on major decisions is needed. This means that many decisions regarding the war in Ukraine, which is the OSCE’s top priority, often reach a deadlock.

However, when asked about whether the OSCE will be prompted to expelling Russia from the institution as a result, Borg admitted that there isn’t an expulsion mechanism. He explained that while there is the consensus-minus-one rule, it is very complex and was only utilised once.
This rule stipulates that in cases of massive and gross human rights violations, the OSCE is entitled to adopt political measures against the state which caused the violations.

He further stated that the OSCE is not only about wars and conflicts, “we can all still discuss on three dimensions” – politico-military, the economic and environmental, and the human. “We will do everything it takes to ensure the OSCE doesn’t die.”

Nonetheless, he did admit he understands the skepticism.

What do you make of Ian Borg’s pending visit?