Borg sat down with Lovin Malta ahead of his formal inauguration as chairperson and discussed a range of topics, we spoke about what Malta can bring to the table, the future of the OSCE in light of Ukraine being its top priority and Russia being a participating state, and the war in Gaza.

The OSCE has been facing criticism about its effectiveness, in fact, this was a common theme during the run-up to the inauguration in which the press was addressed by a number of different officials. 

Borg’s predecessor even stated that Russia’s zero-sum approach had paralysed the organisation.

However, Borg ensured that while he is concerned because the OSCE functions on unanimity – which means it needs the unlikely agreement of Russia – his top priority is to keep the world’s largest regional security organisation that brings representatives of 57 states around one table weekly, alive.

“We need to remember that in 1975, when the organisation properly started against the backdrop of the Cold War, the scope was that diverse countries with different beliefs and ideologies have a platform for dialogue, that they sit at the table here in Vienna every week and make decisions.”

The OSCE acts as one of the only mediums bringing together the East and the West so, it’s essential that it remains functional.

Dialogue is a very important aspect of diplomacy and international relations – it allows states to hear the opinions, interests, and intentions from the horse’s mouth, acts as a medium for negotiation and de-escalation, and can debunk falsities that may be circling the international arena.

“Although I’m quite worried I need to stay optimistic that we’ll find a solution to the war in Ukraine.”

Lovin Malta went on to ask Borg what his relationship is like with the Russian Ambassador to the OSCE Sergey Lavrov, who did not oppose Malta’s appointment as chair (as it did with Lithuania, hence the quick switch to Malta) but who has expressed worries that it will continue the sympathetic narrative toward Ukraine.

“The position of the EU is what it is so we’re not in communication but it is a fact that on a diplomatic level, the relationship between ambassadors and officials in Vienna is inevitable. It’s actually required to know what another country is thinking because if one country comes to the table and says no it stops the whole process. So, on a technical level, there is that engagement that will hopefully be constructive.”

“However, we’re still in the first few days so we need to see how this will develop throughout the year. But we cannot say that there is ongoing communication between myself and my Russian colleague,” he clarified.

Additionally, the press was addressed by the US Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter who said that despite Russia’s efforts, the institution has found a way around its veto in some circumstances. Russia had initially vetoed a number of field operations in Ukraine, so, the OSCE initiated a Support Programme which did not require consensus, just the support of like-minded states.

On that note, Carpenter stressed that a lot of the institution’s work happens on the ground.

The OSCE’s field operations assist host countries in putting their OSCE commitments into practice and fostering local capacities through concrete projects that respond to their needs. These include initiatives to support law enforcement, minority rights, legislative reform, the rule of law and media freedom, promote tolerance and non-discrimination, as well as many other areas.

Therefore, the organisation doesn’t solely make big decisions.

Several field operations contribute to early warning and conflict prevention and others occur in post-conflict areas enabling host countries to manage crises in such tumultuous environments. Following their respective mandates, some field operations also monitor and report on developments on the ground.

Currently, the organisation has 12 field operations across the different OSCE regions: South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. North America also falls within the OSCE’s remit however there are currently no field operations on the continent.

Do you think the OSCE still has a fighting chance?