OSCE Chairmanship 2023: Key Priorities And Challenges

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) plays a crucial role in fostering peace, democracy, and security across its 57 participating States. Each year, a different participating State assumes the Chairmanship, guiding the organization's agenda and priorities. In 2023, North Macedonia held the OSCE Chairmanship, facing a complex and rapidly evolving security landscape. This article will delve into the key priorities set by North Macedonia during its tenure and the significant challenges it encountered while steering the OSCE.

North Macedonia's Priorities for the 2023 OSCE Chairmanship

North Macedonia's Chairmanship in 2023 was guided by the motto "It’s about people." This theme underscored the nation's commitment to addressing the human dimension of security, focusing on protecting human rights, promoting democratic institutions, and ensuring the well-being of individuals affected by conflict. The Chairmanship outlined several core priorities:

1. Upholding OSCE Principles and Commitments

At the forefront of North Macedonia's agenda was the reaffirmation and defense of the OSCE's foundational principles and commitments. These principles, enshrined in documents like the Helsinki Final Act, emphasize respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Given the ongoing conflicts and tensions within the OSCE region, upholding these principles was of paramount importance. The Chairmanship actively worked to mediate conflicts, facilitate dialogue, and promote adherence to international law. This involved engaging with participating States, civil society organizations, and other international actors to foster a shared understanding of and commitment to the OSCE's core values. Furthermore, the Chairmanship sought to strengthen the OSCE's capacity to monitor and respond to violations of these principles, ensuring accountability and preventing further escalation of conflicts.

2. Supporting Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management

Conflict resolution and crisis management were central to North Macedonia's Chairmanship. With several protracted conflicts and emerging crises within the OSCE area, the Chairmanship aimed to enhance the organization's ability to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts peacefully. This involved supporting the OSCE's field operations, which play a vital role in monitoring ceasefires, facilitating dialogue, and providing humanitarian assistance. The Chairmanship also prioritized strengthening the OSCE's mediation capacity, training mediators, and providing them with the necessary resources to engage effectively in conflict resolution processes. Recognizing the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, the Chairmanship promoted inclusive governance, respect for minority rights, and economic development to foster long-term stability. This multifaceted approach aimed to create sustainable peace and prevent the recurrence of violence.

3. Promoting Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

Promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms was a cornerstone of North Macedonia's Chairmanship. Recognizing that respect for human rights is essential for security and stability, the Chairmanship prioritized the protection of vulnerable groups, including minorities, women, and children. This involved advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, combating torture and ill-treatment, and promoting freedom of expression and assembly. The Chairmanship also focused on strengthening the OSCE's human rights monitoring mechanisms, ensuring that human rights violations are promptly investigated and addressed. Furthermore, the Chairmanship supported civil society organizations working to promote human rights and provided them with a platform to raise concerns and advocate for change. By placing human rights at the center of its agenda, North Macedonia aimed to create a more just and equitable society within the OSCE region.

4. Advancing Democratic Governance and the Rule of Law

Advancing democratic governance and the rule of law was another key priority for North Macedonia's Chairmanship. The Chairmanship recognized that strong democratic institutions and a well-functioning legal system are essential for ensuring stability and prosperity. This involved supporting electoral reforms, promoting judicial independence, and combating corruption. The Chairmanship also focused on strengthening the OSCE's capacity to provide technical assistance to participating States seeking to improve their democratic governance and rule of law. Furthermore, the Chairmanship promoted transparency and accountability in government, encouraging citizen participation in decision-making processes. By fostering democratic values and principles, North Macedonia aimed to create a more resilient and prosperous OSCE region.

Key Challenges Faced During the Chairmanship

North Macedonia's Chairmanship faced numerous challenges, primarily stemming from the complex and volatile security situation in the OSCE region. Some of the most significant challenges included:

1. The War in Ukraine

The ongoing war in Ukraine posed a major challenge to North Macedonia's Chairmanship. The conflict undermined the OSCE's core principles and commitments and created a deep rift among participating States. The Chairmanship worked to facilitate dialogue between the parties involved and to support the OSCE's monitoring mission in Ukraine. However, the deep divisions and lack of trust made it difficult to achieve a lasting resolution. The war also diverted resources and attention away from other important issues on the OSCE's agenda, further complicating the Chairmanship's task.

2. Protracted Conflicts

In addition to the war in Ukraine, the OSCE region is plagued by several protracted conflicts, including those in Georgia, Moldova, and Nagorno-Karabakh. These conflicts continue to pose a threat to regional stability and undermine the OSCE's efforts to promote peace and security. The Chairmanship worked to revitalize conflict resolution efforts and to support the OSCE's field operations in these areas. However, the lack of political will and the involvement of external actors made it difficult to achieve significant progress.

3. Rising Tensions and Polarization

Rising tensions and polarization within and between participating States also presented a significant challenge to North Macedonia's Chairmanship. Disinformation, hate speech, and political extremism are on the rise, undermining trust and cooperation. The Chairmanship worked to promote tolerance, dialogue, and mutual understanding, but these efforts were often met with resistance from those seeking to exploit divisions and sow discord. The increasing polarization also made it difficult to reach consensus on important issues, hindering the OSCE's ability to act effectively.

4. Resource Constraints

Finally, North Macedonia's Chairmanship faced resource constraints, which limited its ability to implement its priorities effectively. The OSCE's budget has been under pressure in recent years, and the organization has struggled to secure the necessary funding to carry out its mandated activities. The Chairmanship worked to mobilize additional resources and to prioritize its spending, but it was often forced to make difficult choices. The resource constraints also limited the Chairmanship's ability to support the OSCE's field operations and to respond to emerging crises.

Conclusion

Despite the numerous challenges it faced, North Macedonia's Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2023 made significant contributions to promoting peace, security, and human rights in the OSCE region. The Chairmanship's focus on upholding OSCE principles, supporting conflict resolution, promoting human rights, and advancing democratic governance helped to strengthen the organization's role as a key actor in European security. However, the ongoing conflicts and tensions within the OSCE area underscore the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of instability and to promote dialogue and cooperation. The OSCE remains a vital platform for addressing these challenges, and its future success will depend on the commitment of its participating States to uphold its principles and values.