PCOEJ1575 PC.JOUR/1575 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 30 July 2026 Permanent Council Original: ENGLISH Chairmanship: Switzerland 1575th PLENARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL 1. Date: Thursday, 30 July 2026 (in the Ratsaal) Opened: 10.05 a.m. Closed: 1.20 p.m. 2. Chairperson: Ambassador R. Nägeli Russian Federation (Annex 1) During the course of the meeting, the Dean of the Permanent Council (Croatia) bade farewell to the Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE, Ambassador E. Gjermeni. The Chairperson also bade farewell to the Head of Conference and Language Services, Mr. P. O’Reilly. 3. Subjects discussed – Statements – Decisions/documents adopted: Agenda item 1: THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION’S ONGOING AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE Chairperson, Ukraine (PC.DEL/803/26), United Kingdom, Ireland-European Union (with Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino and Ukraine, in alignment) (PC.DEL/799/26), Canada (PC.DEL/804/26/Rev.1), Türkiye (PC.DEL/810/26 OSCE+), Romania, Latvia (PC.DEL/806/26 OSCE+), Bulgaria (PC.DEL/808/26 OSCE+), Sweden (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway), Slovakia, Lithuania, Poland, Moldova, Netherlands (PC.DEL/798/26 OSCE+), Germany (PC.DEL/794/26 OSCE+), Montenegro, Russian Federation (PC.DEL/796/26 OSCE+), France Point of order: Ukraine, Chairperson
- 2 - PC.JOUR/1575 30 July 2026 Agenda item 2: REPORT BY THE HEAD OF THE OSCE MISSION TO SERBIA Chairperson, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia (PC.FR/9/26 OSCE+), Ireland-European Union (with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Ukraine, in alignment) (PC.DEL/800/26), United States of America, United Kingdom, Russian Federation (PC.DEL/793/26 OSCE+), Albania (PC.DEL/805/26 OSCE+), Türkiye, Slovakia, Serbia Agenda item 3: DECISION ON THE CLOSURE OF THE OSCE MISSION TO MONTENEGRO Chairperson Decision: The Permanent Council adopted Decision No. 1532 (PC.DEC/1532) on the closure of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the text of which is appended to this journal. Montenegro (interpretative statement, see attachment 1 to the decision), Ireland-European Union (with Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine, in alignment) (interpretative statement, see attachment 2 to the decision), United Kingdom (interpretative statement, see attachment 3 to the decision), Kazakhstan (PC.DEL/795/26 OSCE+), Russian Federation (interpretative statement, see attachment 4 to the decision) Agenda item 4: REVIEW OF CURRENT ISSUES (a) The ongoing hybrid war waged by NATO and the European Union against Russia: Russian Federation (PC.DEL/797/26 OSCE+), Romania, France (b) Crimes committed by Kiev authorities against minors: Russian Federation, Ukraine (Annex 2), Ireland-European Union Agenda item 5: REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE (a) Visit of the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office – Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and representatives of several OSCE participating States to Ukraine, held from 19 to 23 July 2026: Chairperson (b) Upcoming visits of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Mr. I. Cassis, to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan from 2 to 5 August 2026, and to Georgia and Armenia in autumn 2026: Chairperson (c) Reminder of the registration deadline of 7 August 2026 for the conference “From Geneva to Helsinki: Founding process and core purpose of the
- 3 - PC.JOUR/1575 30 July 2026 OSCE”, to be held in Berne, Switzerland, on 3 and 4 September 2026: Chairperson (d) Reminder of the registration deadline of 31 August 2026 for the conference “De-escalation in cyberspace: mediation and preventive diplomacy”, to be held in Zug, Switzerland, on 29 and 30 September 2026: Chairperson Agenda item 6: REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL (a) Announcement of the distribution of a written report of the Secretary General (SEC.GAL/92/26 OSCE+): Secretary General (b) Visit of the Secretary General to Podgorica, Belgrade, and Pristina: Secretary General (c) Reflections on the Organization’s current situation and challenges: Secretary General Agenda item 7: ANY OTHER BUSINESS General elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to be held on 4 October 2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina (PC.DEL/807/26 OSCE+) 4. Next meeting: Thursday, 17 September 2026, at 10 a.m., in the Ratsaal
PC.JOUR/1575 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 30 July 2026 Permanent Council Annex 1 ENGLISH Original: RUSSIAN 1575th Plenary Meeting PC Journal No. 1575, Point 2 STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION Mr. Chairperson, It is disappointing that the Swiss Chairmanship-in-Office, bending to the political climate, continues to include a confrontational item on “Russian aggression against Ukraine” in the Permanent Council’s agenda. Such actions by the Chairmanship are directly incompatible with standing agenda items as established by the Rules of Procedure of the OSCE (chapter IV.1(C)). This precludes the possibility of equal and non-discriminatory participation in a discussion of the developments in and around Ukraine. The convening of Permanent Council meetings must be fully in line with the Rules of Procedure of the OSCE as regards consultations with all the participating States (paragraphs IV.1(C)1 and IV.1(C)3) and may not run counter to the provisions of the mandate of the Chairmanship-in-Office, which unambiguously obligates the Chairmanship to take the whole spectrum of opinions into account in its actions (Porto Ministerial Council Decision No. 8 of 2002). We request that this formal reservation be reflected in the journal of today’s meeting of the Permanent Council in accordance with paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the Rules of Procedure of the OSCE. Thank you for your attention.
PC.JOUR/1575 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 30 July 2026 Permanent Council Annex 2 Original: ENGLISH 1575th Plenary Meeting PC Journal No. 1575, Agenda item 4(b) STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATION OF UKRAINE Mr. Chairperson, I would like to exercise my right of reply in response to the statement by the Russian delegation. The current issue selected by the Russian delegation does not invite this Council to establish facts. It asks us to accept a verdict in advance. What follows is usually an exercise in reversing the roles of aggressor and victim, with children used as emotional scenery. Since 2022, Moscow has repeatedly repackaged the same allegations: civilian casualties stripped of the context of Russia’s aggression; evacuations from combat zones portrayed as abductions; Ukrainian rescue teams relabelled as traffickers; claims of illegal adoption abroad, organ removal and sexual exploitation; accusations of “Nazi education”, linguistic or religious persecution, and the recruitment of minors for military, intelligence or sabotage purposes. Most recently, this playbook has incorporated Starobilsk and Kyrylivka. Stories change. But the methods do not: erase the aggression and the occupation, suppress independent verification and present assertion as fact. Every child killed or injured is tragedy. Every credible allegation must be examined impartially. International humanitarian law applies in all circumstances. Ukraine does not seek immunity. ODIHR’s Ninth Interim Report recorded allegations concerning the involvement of children in activities related to hostilities and urged the authorities to refrain from such practices. Ukraine takes this recommendation seriously and addresses verified cases through law, oversight and child-sensitive procedures. The same report documented the recruitment of children by Russian-linked actors through Telegram for intelligence gathering, espionage and sabotage in occupied and government-controlled territories. By June 2026, 269 children had reportedly been suspected of recruitment for offences carried out in favour of the Russian Federation.
- 2 - PC.JOUR/1575 30 July 2026 Annex 2 That is the difference between accountability and propaganda: Ukraine co-operates with independent mechanisms and acts upon recommendations. Russia refuses co-operation and then quotes its own institutions as proof. The Moscow Mechanism has already provided this Organization with an independent record. Its 2023 Mission established violations connected with the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, obstacles to family reunification, exposure to adoption and assimilation, and conduct that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Russian Federation refused to co-operate. In July 2026, another Moscow Mechanism mission concluded that Russia had developed a well-co-ordinated system of indoctrination and militarization affecting some 1.6 million Ukrainian children under its control. It documented the imposition of Russian curricula, elimination of Ukrainian elements from education, coercion beginning from kindergarten age, military-patriotic structures and pathways towards future service in the armed forces of the occupying power. Again, Ukraine co-operated. Again, Russia refused. As of 14 July, the United Nations had verified that at least 803 children had been killed and 2,960 injured in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. The United Nations found that the vast majority of civilian casualties happened in government-controlled areas and that the 2026 increase was driven largely by long-range Russian attacks. Mr. Chairperson, A delegation genuinely concerned about minors would support independent access and investigations. It would provide complete lists and whereabouts of every Ukrainian child under its control. It would stop deportation, forced passportization, indoctrination, militarization and recruitment. It would return the children and reunite families. Above all, it would take the most effective child-protection measure available today: end the war of aggression and withdraw its forces from the territory of Ukraine. Children are not exhibits in Russia’s courtroom theatre. They are rights-holders. This Organization must treat them accordingly. Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
PC.DEC/1532 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 30 July 2026 Permanent Council Original: ENGLISH 1575th Plenary Meeting PC Journal No. 1575, Agenda item 3 DECISION No. 1532 CLOSURE OF THE OSCE MISSION TO MONTENEGRO The Permanent Council, Recalling Permanent Council Decision No. 732 of 29 June 2006 on the establishment of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Taking note of the letters sent by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Ervin Ibrahimović, to the OSCE Secretary General, Mr. Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, on 25 May 2026, and to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Mr. Ignazio Cassis, on 2 June 2026, which emphasized the OSCE’s role as a steadfast and credible partner of Montenegro, Welcoming the constructive approach displayed by the Montenegrin authorities and their readiness to engage closely with the Organization, the Chairmanship and other participating States in a transparent and orderly transition to ensure the successful completion of the work of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Commending the substantial contribution of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro over the past two decades to progress achieved by Montenegro across a broad range of areas, including the rule of law, democratization, electoral reform, media freedom, human rights, good governance and reforms in the security sector, 1. Decides to extend the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro until 31 December 2027 to allow the Mission to complete its activities in an orderly manner; 2. Decides to close the OSCE Mission to Montenegro by 31 December 2027; 3. Approves 1,979,500 euros to carry out mandate-related activities from 1 January 2027 until 30 September 2027 and to complete all procedures for the closure of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro by 31 December 2027; 4. Reaffirms that any savings identified within the 2027 financial resources will be treated in accordance with Financial Regulation 7.07;
- 2 - PC.DEC/1532 30 July 2026 5. Tasks the Head of Mission, with the assistance of the Secretariat, to complete all the required procedures related to the closure of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro by 31 December 2027; 6. Tasks the OSCE Secretariat to undertake any residual administrative follow-up that may need to be completed after 31 December 2027.
PC.DEC/1532 30 July 2026 Attachment 1 Original: ENGLISH INTERPRETATIVE STATEMENT UNDER PARAGRAPH IV.1(A)6 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE By the delegation of Montenegro: “Mr. Chairperson, In relation to the decision on the closure of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, we would like to make the following statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure: As Montenegro has stated on several occasions and in different formats throughout this process, today’s decision represents the natural conclusion of a long, successful and truly collaborative partnership between our country and the OSCE. Over the past 20 years, the OSCE Mission has been an important partner in Montenegro’s democratic development and reform journey. Working together, we have strengthened institutions, advanced reforms and built sustainable capacities across all three dimensions of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. The decision to close the Mission by the end of 2027 reflects the tangible progress Montenegro has achieved in advancing its reform agenda and broader strategic priorities. Reports of the successive Heads of Mission have consistently reflected this progress, while recognizing the growing capacity and the strength of national ownership. Many of the reforms, mechanisms and practices developed with the Mission’s support are now firmly embedded within our institutions and increasingly driven by domestic expertise and responsibility. Dear colleagues, We also believe this decision carries a broader message for our Organization. It demonstrates that the OSCE delivers results. Montenegro is an example of how a field operation, working in genuine partnership with the host country and supported by participating States, can successfully fulfil its mandate by strengthening institutions, fostering resilience and enabling national ownership. In that sense, the orderly completion of the Mission’s mandate is not only Montenegro’s success story. It is equally a success story for the OSCE, its participating
- 2 - PC.DEC/1532 30 July 2026 Attachment 1 States, the Secretariat and the Mission itself. It is a clear example of the lasting impact that focused, responsive and well-targeted field operations can achieve. Allow me, finally, to express Montenegro’s sincere appreciation to all Heads of Mission, international and national Mission staff, the Secretariat, successive Chairmanships and participating States whose professionalism, commitment and support made this shared achievement possible. We will remain a committed and engaged participating State, bringing forward the experience of a genuine success story that demonstrates the enduring value of the OSCE and its field operations. We request that this statement be attached to the decision and reflected in the journal of the day. Thank you.”
PC.DEC/1532 30 July 2026 Attachment 2 Original: ENGLISH INTERPRETATIVE STATEMENT UNDER PARAGRAPH IV.1(A)6 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE The delegation of Ireland, in its capacity as EU Presidency, passed the floor to the representative of the European Union, who delivered the following statement: “In connection with the decision on the closure of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the European Union would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure: The European Union takes note of Montenegro’s request for a transparent and orderly transition to ensure a successful completion of the work of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro by the end of 2027. We welcome the constructive approach of the Montenegrin authorities and their readiness to engage closely with the Secretariat, the Chairmanship and participating States with a view to ensuring an orderly and well-prepared process. The European Union congratulates the OSCE Mission to Montenegro on its dedicated work in carrying out its mandate, notably by assisting and promoting the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments, and by supporting Montenegro’s co-operation with the OSCE across all three dimensions. We commend the Mission for two decades of constructive co-operation and fruitful partnership with Montenegrin institutions, civil society and media. We recognize the Mission’s valuable contribution to advancing Montenegro’s broader reform agenda across a wide range of areas. The Mission’s support has also accompanied progress relevant to Montenegro’s European Union path, including the provisional closure of numerous negotiating chapters during 2025 and 2026. We acknowledge the Mission’s intention to complete the implementation of its 2025–2027 strategic workplan to assist Montenegro in consolidating OSCE-related reform achievements from the past 20 years with a view to long-term sustainability and in line with the country’s strategic ambitions. The successful completion of the Mission’s work would mark an important milestone of the Organization’s long-standing contribution to Montenegro’s democratic reforms and development. We request that this statement be attached to the decision and reflected in the journal of the day.
- 2 - PC.DEC/1532 30 July 2026 Attachment 2 Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, San Marino, Türkiye and Ukraine align themselves with this interpretative statement.”
PC.DEC/1532 30 July 2026 Attachment 3 Original: ENGLISH INTERPRETATIVE STATEMENT UNDER PARAGRAPH IV.1(A)6 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE By the delegation of the United Kingdom: “In connection with the Permanent Council decision just adopted on the closure of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the United Kingdom would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure. The United Kingdom is pleased to support the adoption of this decision. Montenegro’s request to transition to national ownership of OSCE functions by the end of 2027 is a positive reflection of the commitments and progress Montenegro has made in sustaining momentum on reforms. This is a clear indication of the success of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and the exemplary support it has provided over the last 20 years. The United Kingdom stands ready to engage with the Government, OSCE Mission, Secretariat and autonomous institutions to ensure a smooth and well-prepared transition to new forms of OSCE engagement with and support for Montenegro. Mr. Chairperson, I would like to request that this statement be attached to the decision as adopted and to the journal of the day.”
PC.DEC/1532 30 July 2026 Attachment 4 ENGLISH Original: RUSSIAN INTERPRETATIVE STATEMENT UNDER PARAGRAPH IV.1(A)6 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE By the delegation of the Russian Federation: “Having joined the consensus regarding the Permanent Council decision on the closure of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the Russian Federation proceeds from the following premises. Russia welcomes the winding-up of the Mission’s work by the end of 2027 at the request of the host country. In supporting this request, we are guided by paragraph 41 of the Charter for European Security (1999), whereby the activities of the Organization’s field operations should be brought to a close as and when these have transferred their functions to the host country. We note that the decision to close the Mission has been taken by the Montenegrin authorities at this specific moment, when the main preconditions for that participating State to join the European Union have been fulfilled and further services by the OSCE field operation are no longer required in this process. This confirms that the Mission’s work was, in effect, geared towards facilitating EU accession – something that in no way falls under its mandate as approved by the Permanent Council. We regret to note that the financial resources earmarked for the closure of the Mission are being allocated as a lump sum without cost details. Such an approach is not in line with international best practices and does not reflect generally accepted principles of budgetary discipline. I request that this statement be attached to the adopted decision and included in the journal of today’s meeting of the Permanent Council.”