Thank you, Chair.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.

It’s a good opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the OSCE, as a cornerstone of European security.

We can take heart from the recent rapprochement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Yet, regrettably, this jubilee year is not a time for celebration.

Fifty years ago, we pledged to respect territorial integrity, human rights, fundamental freedoms and international law.

Today, all these core principles are being severely violated.

The Russian Federation continues it’s illegal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

It has violated the airspace of Poland, Estonia and Romania and in the hybrid and cyber domains it continues to target other states.

We cannot accept that.

So, I want to reiterate that the Netherlands will stand firm in its support for Ukraine to defend itself - as long as it takes.

Efforts led by the US, and supported by European Allies, to establish a plan for a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine are gaining momentum.

There is a historic opportunity to advance stability, but this requires genuine willingness on Russia’s part to end the war.

How the war is brought to an end will matter greatly.

Aggression cannot be rewarded, and Ukrainian sovereignty is not up for debate.

Russia must be held accountable for its war crimes, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and the torture of unlawfully detained civilians.

In this regard, I also want to highlight the unrightful detention of three OSCE employees, whose immediate release we demand. We are also strongly committed to ensuring accountability for the downing of Flight MH17.

Despite rulings by the European Court and ICAO Council, the Russian Federation still refuses to accept responsibility.

As always, there is a direct link between external aggression and internal repression.

In Russia political, opponents are silenced, free media shut down and civil society repressed.

History shows this cannot last: truth and accountability will triumph.

The same applies to Belarus, where political prisoners are being held and human rights are violated.

And I want to raise concerns about Georgia, where the human rights situation is rapidly deteriorating. These developments are cause for great concern.

Chair, ladies and gentlemen,

At its marks its 50th anniversary, the OSCE is facing serious challenges.

In this light it’s important to discuss how to make it more effective and resilient.

So, we hope consensus can be reached on the budget to ensure the organization’s vital work can continue.

Thank you.