OSCE Appoints Special Representative to Support Ukraine's EU and NATO Accession
Czech diplomat Petr Mareš has been elected as the OSCE’s special representative in Ukraine, tasked with preparing the country for future EU and NATO membership. The decision was made during the organization's recent foreign ministers' meeting in Malta, with 55 out of 57 member countries supporting the appointment. As expected, Russia and Belarus opposed the move, labeling it "illegal."
According to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Mareš's mission is expected to begin in 2025. Speaking about his role, Mareš stated:
"We have 24 active projects in Ukraine, all requested by the Ukrainian side. My job will be to coordinate these efforts and develop new initiatives. I won’t deliver weapons, but I will prepare Ukraine for partnerships and eventual EU and NATO membership."
Additionally, Mareš advocates for the restoration of the OSCE's peacekeeping and monitoring mission in Ukraine. The original monitoring mission, which began in 2014, was suspended in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion.
“The OSCE peacekeeping mission should return. If successful, it could pave the way for independent observation missions,” Mareš said.
Unsurprisingly, Russia's OSCE representative, Alexander Lukashevich, along with Belarus, voiced opposition to the initiative. However, the OSCE may explore mechanisms to circumvent their veto and proceed with the plans.
Czech diplomat Petr Mareš has been elected as the OSCE’s special representative in Ukraine, tasked with preparing the country for future EU and NATO membership. The decision was made during the organization's recent foreign ministers' meeting in Malta, with 55 out of 57 member countries supporting the appointment. As expected, Russia and Belarus opposed the move, labeling it "illegal."
According to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Mareš's mission is expected to begin in 2025. Speaking about his role, Mareš stated:
"We have 24 active projects in Ukraine, all requested by the Ukrainian side. My job will be to coordinate these efforts and develop new initiatives. I won’t deliver weapons, but I will prepare Ukraine for partnerships and eventual EU and NATO membership."
Additionally, Mareš advocates for the restoration of the OSCE's peacekeeping and monitoring mission in Ukraine. The original monitoring mission, which began in 2014, was suspended in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion.
“The OSCE peacekeeping mission should return. If successful, it could pave the way for independent observation missions,” Mareš said.
Unsurprisingly, Russia's OSCE representative, Alexander Lukashevich, along with Belarus, voiced opposition to the initiative. However, the OSCE may explore mechanisms to circumvent their veto and proceed with the plans.