32. Jahrestagung der Parlamentarischen Versammlung der OSZE vom 29. Juni bis 3. Juli 2025 in Porto, Portugal

32. Jahrestagung der Parlamentarischen Versammlung der OSZE vom 29. Juni bis 3. Juli 2025 in Porto, Portugal [Deutscher Bundestag Drucksache 21/3374 21. Wahlperiode 18.12.2025 Unterrichtung durch die deutsche Delegation in der Parlamentarischen Versammlung der OSZE 32. Jahrestagung der Parlamentarischen Versammlung der OSZE vom 29. Juni bis 3. Juli 2025 in Porto, Portugal Inhal tsverzeichnis Seite 1 Teilnehmende der deutschen Delegation ...................................... 2 2 Schwerpunkte der Jahrestagung ................................................... 2 3 Ständiger Ausschuss ....................................................................... 2 4 Eröffnungssitzung und Plenarsitzungen ....................................... 3 5 Ausschuss für politische Angelegenheiten und Sicherheit .......... 3 6 Ausschuss für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten, Wissenschaft, Technologie und Umwelt ....................................... 4 7 Ausschuss für Demokratie, Menschenrechte und humanitäre Fragen ......................................................................... 5 8 Die Erklärung von Porto ................................................................ 6 9 Amtsträgerinnen und Amtsträger ................................................. 68 1 Teilnehmende der deutschen Delegation Die 32. Jahrestagung der Parlamentarischen Versammlung der Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (OSZE PV) fand vom 29. Juni bis 3. Juli 2025 in Porto, Portugal, statt. Der Deutsche Bundestag entsandte folgende Delegationsmitglieder: Abgeordneter Thomas Röwekamp (CDU/CSU) Abgeordnete Kerstin Vieregge (CDU/CSU) Abgeordneter Tobias Winkler (CDU/CSU), amtierender Delegationsleiter Abgeordneter Dr. Malte Kaufmann (AfD) Abgeordneter Stefan Keuter (AfD) Abgeordneter Falko Droßmann (SPD) Abgeordnete Nancy Faeser (SPD) Abgeordneter Dr. Rolf Mützenich (SPD) Abgeordneter Robin Wagener (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) Abgeordneter Ulrich Thoden (DIE LINKE) 2 Schwerpunkte der Jahrestagung In der Generaldebatte stand die Erinnerung an den 50. Jahrestag der Verabschiedung der Schlussakte von Helsinki im Fokus der Debatte. Weitere Debattenschwerpunkte waren der Krieg in der Ukraine und die Lage im Nahen Osten. Außerdem wurde über den Stand der Friedensverhandlungen zwischen Aserbaidschan und Armenien sowie die Lage der Demokratie in Georgien, den Schutz der kritischen Infrastruktur, den Klimawandel, die Auswirkungen von Wasserknappheit, die Energiesicherheit und den Schutz von Minderheiten und Menschenrechten sowie die freie Meinungsäußerung debattiert. Zur Eröffnung sprachen der Präsident des portugiesischen Parlaments, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, die Leiterin der portugiesischen Delegation in der OSZE PV, Paula Cardoso, und die Präsidentin der OSZE PV, Pia Kauma (Finnland), zu den Delegierten. Der portugiesische Präsident Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa und der Generalsekretär der Vereinten Nationen, Antonio Guterres, sendeten Videobotschaften an die Delegierten. Zum neuen Präsidenten der OSZE PV wurde der spanische Delegationsleiter, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, gewählt. Abgeordneter Tobias Winkler (CDU/CSU) wurde im Ausschuss für politische Angelegenheiten und Sicherheit zum Berichterstatter wiedergewählt. Ebenso wurden die Leitungen der drei allgemeinen Ausschüsse neu bestimmt. Die Jahrestagung schloss mit der mehrheitlichen Annahme der Erklärung von Porto. Diese enthält die Entschließungen der drei allgemeinen Ausschüsse (Ausschuss für politische Angelegenheiten und Sicherheit, Ausschuss für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten, Wissenschaft, Technologie und Umwelt sowie Ausschuss für Demokratie, Menschenrechte und humanitäre Fragen) sowie Entschließungen zu neunzehn zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenständen. 3 Ständiger Ausschuss Die Präsidentin der OSZE PV, Pia Kauma (Finnland), die den Ständigen Ausschuss leitete, zog nach zwei Amtsjahren Bilanz ihrer Arbeit und bedankte sich für die gute Zusammenarbeit. Sie betonte, dass die Beendigung des Krieges gegen die Ukraine weiterhin höchste Priorität habe und forderte, dass die OSZE in einem Friedensprozess nach Beendigung der Kämpfe eine wichtige Rolle spielen müsse. Schatzmeister Johan Büser (Schweden) legte einen überarbeiteten Haushaltsentwurf für das Jahr 2025/2026 vor, der keine Erhöhung vorsieht. Der ursprünglich im April 2025 vorgelegte Haushaltsentwurf, der eine Steigerung von 4,38 Prozent vorsah, fand absehbar aufgrund des Einspruchs mehrerer Delegationen keinen Konsens und musste daher für die Jahrestagung überarbeitet werden. Der Gesamthaushalt der OSZE PV beträgt somit wie im Vorjahr 4.373.000 Euro. Der deutsche Beitrag beläuft sich auf 408.876 Euro und entspricht 9,35 Prozent des Gesamthaushalts. Durch das Fehlen der Beiträge der Russischen Föderation und der gestiegenen allgemeinen Kosten hat sich der Spardruck weiter erhöht. Dies wird unter anderem sowohl zu einem geringeren Personalschlüssel bei den Konferenzen als auch zu Einsparungen im Bereich der Übersetzungsleistungen sowie der Senkung der Mittel zur Durchführung von Wahlbeobachtungsmissionen führen. Der Ständige Ausschuss verständigte sich auf folgende weitere Tagungen der OSZE PV: Herbsttagung: 17. bis 19. November 2025 in Istanbul (Türkei) Wintertagung: 19. bis 20. Februar 2026 in Wien (Österreich) 33. Jahrestagung: 4. bis 8. Juli 2026 in Den Haag (Niederlande) 4 Eröffnungssitzung und Plenarsitzungen Nach der Eröffnung der 32. Jahrestagung durch die Präsidentin Pia Kauma (Finnland) begrüßte der Präsident des portugiesischen Parlaments, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, die Delegierten und erinnerte an das fünfzigjährige Erbe der OSZE und hob ihre Erfolge bei der Bewältigung der Umwälzungen nach dem Kalten Krieg hervor. Die OSZE habe Vertrauen und Sicherheit durch Dialog und Konsens geschaffen. Der Krieg der Russischen Föderation gegen die Ukraine habe die Grundwerte der OSZE untergraben. Er drückte die Hoffnung aus, dass man die Herausforderung der Beendigung des Krieges in neue Chancen wandeln könne. Die Leiterin der portugiesischen Delegation, Paula Cardoso, beklagte den Schatten, den der russische Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine auf das Jubiläum zum 50. Jahrestag der Verabschiedung der Schlussakte von Helsinki werfe. Die Vision von Frieden und Wohlstand die mit der Schlussakte von Helsinki aufgezeigt wurde, sei kein nostalgischer Traum, sondern Auftrag für die Zukunft. Die Direktorin des Büros für demokratische Institutionen und Menschenrechte (ODIHR), Maria Telalian, berichtete über die Dokumentation der Menschenrechtsverletzungen durch ODIHR in der Ukraine und kündigte den bereits siebten Bericht dazu an. In der allgemeinen Aussprache konstatierte Abgeordneter Tobias Winkler, dass man sich fünfzig Jahre nach der Schlussakte von Helsinki einer Realität stellen müsse, die von neuen Bedrohungen geprägt sei. Angriffe auf zivile Infrastruktur, Unterseekabel, Stromnetze sowie Cyberattacken und andere Arten asymmetrischer Kriegsführung beeinträchtigten Lieferketten und das Vertrauen in öffentliche Institutionen, die Demokratie und die Sicherheit. Er forderte, dass die OSZE als multilaterale Organisation sich federführend bei der Bekämpfung dieser Bedrohungen engagiere. Abgeordneter Ulrich Thoden unterstrich, dass die Schlussakte von Helsinki den Willen zu politischem Dialog dokumentiere. Russland habe mit dem Angriff auf die Ukraine die europäische Ordnung schwer erschüttert. Er forderte ein totales Embargo aller fossilen Energieträger Russlands und die Zerschlagung der Schattenflotte sowie ein sofortiges Ende der kriegerischen Handlungen und eine Rückkehr zur regelbasierten Ordnung. Kriege würden nicht durch Waffen, sondern durch Verhandlungen beendet. Abgeordneter Thomas Röwekamp sprach im Rahmen der Debatte zur Situation im Nahen Osten von einer nicht akzeptablen humanitären Krise in Gaza. Nach dem Angriff durch die Hamas habe Israel jedoch jedes Recht zur Selbstverteidigung. Israel kämpfe in einem hybriden Krieg gegen zivil-militärische Kämpfer und werde zusätzlich aus dem Jemen, dem Iran und dem Libanon durch die Stellvertreter Irans angegriffen. Der Krieg wäre sofort beendet, würde die Hamas die Waffen niederlegen. Israel folge unseren Werten und kämpfe einen Überlebenskampf gegen Terrororganisationen. Er rief die Hamas auf, die Geiseln sofort freizulassen und Israel forderte er auf, humanitäre Standards einzuhalten. Israelkritische Wortbeiträge überwogen und Delegierte aus Belgien und Irland forderten in der Debatte Sanktionen gegen Israel und den Stopp aller Waffenlieferungen an das Land. Teilnehmer aus Israel waren bei der Konferenz nicht anwesend. Die Delegierten nahmen die folgenden vom Ständigen Ausschuss überwiesenen zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenstände an: – Stärkung einer positiven Agenda für die Zusammenarbeit in den westlichen Balkanstaaten (Kyriakos Hadjiyianni, Zypern), – 50. Jahrestag der Schlussakte von Helsinki: Globale Herausforderungen für Frieden und Sicherheit in der OSZE-Region (Mykyta Poturaiev, Ukraine), – Der Helsinki-Prozess nach fünfzig Jahren (Pia Kauma, Finnland). 5 Ausschuss für politische Angelegenheiten und Sicherheit Der Ausschuss für politische Angelegenheiten und Sicherheit tagte unter der Leitung des stellvertretenden Vorsitzenden Costel Dunava (Rumänien). Er hob die besondere Bedeutung der Arbeit des Ausschusses vor dem Hintergrund des russischen Angriffskrieges gegen die Ukraine hervor. Dieser Krieg bestimme in besonderem Maße die Agenda und die Arbeit des Ausschusses. Auf der Tagesordnung standen der Bericht und der Entschließungsentwurf des Berichterstatters, Abgeordneter Tobias Winkler, in dem besonders der Krieg in der Ukraine und der Schutz der zivilen Infrastruktur hervorgehoben wurde. Darüber hinaus kamen unter anderem die weiteren Konflikte im OSZE-Gebiet, die Lage in Nahost sowie die regionale Sicherheit und weitere politische Herausforderungen zur Sprache. Außerdem befassten sich die Ausschussmitglieder mit den fünf an sie überwiesenen zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenständen sowie den dazu vorgelegten Änderungsanträgen. Berichterstatter Abgeordneter Tobias Winkler verurteilte erneut den Krieg Russlands gegen die Ukraine und sicherte dem Land die anhaltende Unterstützung und Solidarität im Kampf gegen den Aggressor zu. Er unterstrich die Notwendigkeit, den Schutz kritischer ziviler Infrastruktur gegen asymmetrische Angriffe zu priorisieren und forderte ein konzertiertes Vorgehen der Staatengemeinschaft und eine internationale Ächtung jeglicher Angriffe auf zivile und kritische Infrastruktur. Abgeordneter Tobias Winkler rief dazu auf, fünfzig Jahre nach der Unterzeichnung der Schlussakte von Helsinki sich auf deren Werte wie die Unverletzlichkeit von Grenzen, die friedliche Streitbeilegung bis zur Achtung der Souveränität zu besinnen und gemeinsam dafür einzutreten. In einer lebhaften Debatte verurteilte Abgeordneter Ulrich Thoden Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine auf das Schärfste und forderte, dass der Krieg so schnell wie möglich beendet werden und eine politische Lösung gefunden werden müsse. Gemeinsam müsse man eine neue euro-atlantische Sicherheitsarchitektur erarbeiten, die auf den Werten der Schlussakte von Helsinki basiere. Bestehende Verträge zur Begrenzung strategischer Nuklearwaffen, wie der New-Start-Vertrag, sollten dabei unbedingt bewahrt werden. Die Ausschussmitglieder nahmen die Entschließung inklusive einiger Änderungen sowie die folgenden vom Ständigen Ausschuss überwiesenen zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenstände an: – Unterstützung der Anerkennung des Staates Palästina als Mittel zur Sicherung des Friedens, der regionalen Stabilität und der Einhaltung des Völkerrechts (Anna Bilotti, Italien) – Unterstützung der Mehrsprachigkeit innerhalb der parlamentarischen Versammlung der OSZE (Pascal Allizard, Frankreich), – Verhinderung der Radikalisierung von Jugendlichen zu gewalttätigem Extremismus und Terrorismus durch Bildung sowie Medien- und Informationskompetenz (Kamil Aydin, Türkei) – Maritime Sicherheit: ein integraler Bestandteil der umfassenden Sicherheit der OSZE (Ville Kaunisto, Finnland) – Unterstützung der Unabhängigkeit und der Demokratie in der Republik Moldau (Pawel Zalewski, Polen) 6 Ausschuss für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten, Wissenschaft, Technologie und Umwelt Der Ausschuss für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten, Wissenschaft, Technologie und Umwelt tagte unter der Leitung von Azay Guliyev (Aserbaidschan). Auf der Tagesordnung standen der Bericht und der Entschließungsentwurf der Berichterstatterin Paula Cardoso (Portugal) zum Generalthema der Tagung. Ebenso befassten sich die Delegierten mit sechs überwiesenen zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenständen sowie den dazu vorgelegten Änderungsanträgen. In seiner Einführung legte der Ausschussvorsitzende Azay Guliyev (Aserbaidschan) den Fokus auf wirtschaftliche Widerstandsfähigkeit und ökologische Nachhaltigkeit sowie technologischen Wandel angesichts komplexer globaler Herausforderungen. Er wies auf die zunehmende Instabilität im Nahen Osten hin, warnte in diesem Zusammenhang vor weitreichenden Auswirkungen auf die globale Energieversorgung und den Handel. Des Weiteren hob er die wirtschaftlichen und ökologischen Folgen des Krieges in der Ukraine mit Auswirkungen auf den gesamten OSZE-Raum hervor. Berichterstatterin Paula Cardoso (Portugal) legte die Schwerpunkte ihres Berichtes auf die Folgen einer eskalierenden Klimakrise, die Auswirkungen von Wasserknappheit sowie die Folgen klimabedingter Migration. Sie hob dabei besonders die Bedeutung der Sicherung der Finanzierung der während der COP29 beschlossenen Maßnahmen hervor. Besonders die Beschleunigung des Wandels der Energieerzeugung hin zu klimaneutraler Produktion sei von herausgehobener Bedeutung, um den Klimawandel zu bremsen und Energiesicherheit herzustellen beziehungsweise zu fördern. In der Debatte wurden darüber hinaus unter anderem auch über ungerechtfertigte Handelshemmnisse, die Abwanderung beziehungsweise Abwerbung von Fachkräften sowie über Folgen des Klimawandels auf Sicherheitsfragen erörtert. Die Ausschussmitglieder nahmen die Entschließung inklusive einiger Änderungen sowie die folgenden vom Ständigen Ausschuss überwiesenen zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenstände an: – Reaktion auf den demografischen Winter (Gudrun Kugler, Österreich) – Förderung der Einziehung und Verwahrung von aus der organisierten Kriminalität beschlagnahmten Vermögenswerten (Eugenio Zoffili, Italien) – Sicherstellung der Stabilität der Finanzlage der Parlamentarischen Versammlung (Joahn Büser, Schweden) – Bekämpfung der Verflechtung von Korruption, organisierter Kriminalität und Terrorismus (Irene Charalambides, Zypern) – Jugendperspektiven zur Erleichterung der Mobilität von Fachkräften und zur Verhinderung der Abwanderung von Fachkräften in der OSZE-Region (Lucija Tacer, Slowenien) – Klimawandel, Korruption und Sicherheit: Bekämpfung miteinander verbundener Bedrohungen in der OSZE- Region (Pere Joan Pons, Spanien 7 Ausschuss für Demokratie, Menschenrechte und humanitäre Fragen Der Ausschuss für Demokratie, Menschenrechte und humanitäre Fragen tagte unter der Leitung der Vorsitzenden, Abgeordnete Lucie Potuckova (Tschechien). Auf der Tagesordnung standen der Bericht und der Entschließungsentwurf der Berichterstatterin Carina Ödebrink (Schweden) zum Thema „50 Jahre Helsinki Schlussakte: Reaktionen auf eine neue Realität in der OSZE“. Außerdem befassten sich die Ausschussmitglieder mit fünf überwiesenen zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenständen sowie den dazu vorgelegten Änderungsanträgen. Die Ausschussvorsitzende Lucie Potuckova (Tschechien) konstatierte, dass sich im Angesicht eines Krieges mitten in Europa die Menschenrechtslage in vielen Ländern des OSZE-Raumes zusehends verschlechtere und die Arbeit des Ausschusses nötiger denn je sei, um die Einhaltung der grundlegenden Menschenrechte einzufordern und sicherzustellen. Dabei sei es besonders wichtig, dass Menschenrechtsverletzungen dokumentiert und die Täter zur Rechenschaft gezogen würden. Berichterstatterin Carina Ödebrink (Schweden) stellte die Schwerpunkte ihres Berichts vor und beklagte in besonderer Weise die hohe Anzahl ziviler Opfer im Krieg in der Ukraine. Besonders Kinder, Frauen und alte Menschen werden Opfer des Krieges durch Vertreibung, Hunger sowie die Zerstörung der Lebensgrundlage und der zivilen Infrastruktur. Sie begrüßte die kürzlich erfolgte Freilassung belarussischer politischer Gefangener und stellte fest, dass dies ein starkes Signal für die Bedeutung internationaler Solidarität sei. In der Debatte wurde neben der Diskussion über den Krieg in der Ukraine und die Auswirkungen auf die Menschenrechte auch über geschlechterbasierte Gewalt, über Rückschritte bei den Menschen- und Freiheitsrechten in vielen Demokratien, den Schutz der Menschenrechte und besonders über die humanitäre Situation im Nahen Osten debattiert. Die Ausschussmitglieder nahmen die Entschließung inklusive verschiedener Änderungen sowie die folgenden vom Ständigen Ausschuss überwiesenen zusätzlichen Beratungsgegenstände an: – Stärkung der Geschlechtergerechtigkeit und die Stärkung von Frauen (Catia Polidori, Italien), – Bekämpfung der russischen Desinformation über den Zweiten Weltkrieg und die Neuschreibung der Geschichte meistern (Ruslanas Baranovas, Litauen), – Verstärkte Unterstützung für sexuelle und reproduktive Gesundheit und deren Rechte in der OSZE-Region (Dr. Hedy Fry, Kanada), – Stärkung der Anstrengungen zur Verhinderung von Kinderhandel und sexueller Ausbeutung von Kindern (Christopher Smith, USA), – Unterstützung der Demokratie und der Werte der OSZE in Georgien (Pawel Zalewski, Polen). Berlin, den 23. Oktober 2025 Tobias Winkler Amtierender Delegationsleiter 8 Die Erklärung von Porto Table of contents Preamble Chapter I: Political Affairs and Security Chapter II: Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment Chapter III: Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions Resolution on the Helsinki Process 50 Years On Resolution on the 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act: Global Challenges for Peace and Security in the OSCE Region Resolution on Strengthening a Positive Agenda for Co-operation in the Western Balkans Resolution on Securing the Stability of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Financial Situation Resolution on Supporting the Recognition of the State of Palestine as a Means of Ensuring Peace, Regional Stability and Compliance with International Law Resolution on Preventing Youth Radicalization to Violent Extremism and Terrorism through Education, and Media and Information Literacy Resolution on Maritime Security: An Integral Part of the OSCE’s Comprehensive Security Resolution on Supporting Moldova’s Independence and Democracy Resolution on Supporting Multilingualism within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Resolution on Responding to the Demographic Winter Resolution on Promoting the Recovery and Safekeeping of Assets Confiscated from Organized Crime Resolution on Addressing the Nexus Between Corruption, Organized Crime and Terrorism Resolution on Youth Perspectives on Facilitating Brain Circulation and Preventing Brain Drain in the OSCE Area Resolution on Climate Change, Corruption and Security: Addressing Interlinked Threats in the OSCE Region Resolution on Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy and Co-operation to Safeguard Future Generations Resolution on Strengthening Gender Equality and Protecting Women Resolution on Repercussions for Failure to Comply with Democratic and Electoral Standards Resolution on Countering Russian Disinformation regarding World War II and the Rewriting of History Resolution on Strengthening Support for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the OSCE Region Resolution on Strengthening Actions to Prevent Child Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children Resolution on Supporting Democracy and OSCE Values in Georgia PREAMBLE We, Parliamentarians of OSCE participating States, have met in annual session in Porto from 29 June to 3 July 2025 as the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE to assess developments and challenges relating to security and co-operation in the context of the 50 Year Commemoration of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, and in particular to consider the Act’s relevance to today's security landscape, and we offer the following views to the OSCE Ministers. We wish the next OSCE Ministerial Council every success and bring to its attention the following Declaration and recommendations. CHAPTER I POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND SECURITY 1. Recalling the OSCE’s core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of frontiers, refraining from the use of force, the right to be or not to be a party to multilateral treaties or to treaties of alliance, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris, and reaffirming the OSCE PA’s commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms, human rights, democracy, the rule of law and international security across the OSCE region, 2. Strenuously reiterating firm condemnation of the full-scale military invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine waged by the Russian Federation and facilitated by Belarus, which took place following the ongoing Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine that has, since 2014, violated Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and territorial waters, and constitutes a clear, gross and uncorrected violation of the Helsinki Final Act, 3. Recalling that the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine constitutes a direct repudiation of the commitments undertaken in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, particularly the principles of the inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity of States and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and that defending these principles in Ukraine today is essential to preserving the OSCE’s legacy and future credibility, 4. Expressing unwavering support for Ukraine’s freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its inherent right to defend itself from any external aggression, in line with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, 5. Recalling that the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine demonstrates a gross and unprovoked violation of the international rules based order and of all basic principles of international law and international commitments under the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act, as well as a flagrant violation of, inter alia, the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, 6. Strongly condemning the grave and widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law perpetrated by Russian Federation forces in Ukraine, including the relentless and intentional targeting of civilians, as well as acts of torture, rape and killing of numerous people, including children, women, the elderly and other vulnerable populations, such as refugees and internally displaced persons, 7. Unequivocally condemning the forced abduction and deportation of children to the Russian Federation and Belarus, a grave humanitarian concern that began in 2014 and escalated with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, constituting a clear violation of international law, and recalling the arrest warrant issued on 17 March 2023 by the International Criminal Court against President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights of the Russian Federation, for their presumed criminal responsibility in the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children, 8. Condemning in the strongest possible terms the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including heating and electricity networks, schools, hospitals, residential areas and places of worship, which led to widespread devastation, necessitating an urgent and robust international response, 9. Deeply alarmed by the Russian Federation’s persistent and reckless attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, including the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant since March 2022 and the recent drone strike on the protective shell of Reactor 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in February 2025, and stressing that such actions risk radioactive contamination, mass displacement, and severe humanitarian and environmental consequences, 10. Stressing the need for accountability for international crimes committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine through fair and independent investigations, on both national and international levels, to ensure justice for victims and prevent future crimes, and welcoming international efforts, including by the International Criminal Court, to prosecute violations of international law, as well as documenting and registering war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, and welcoming the initiation of the process to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine under the auspices of the Council of Europe, 11. Expressing deep concern over the escalating military collaboration between the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and highlighting that such involvement not only exacerbates the war of aggression in Ukraine but also poses significant threats to regional stability and international security, 12. Reiterating that a just and lasting peace is vital for global security, expressing deep concern that Ukraine was not consistently consulted and engaged in the context of negotiations aimed at determining its fate, and emphasizing furthermore that any ceasefire or peace efforts must align with international law, Ukraine’s interests and OSCE principles, ensuring Ukraine’s full participation in all decisions, 13. Welcoming the United States of America’s commitment and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping the conflict and securing a lasting peace between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, 14. Stressing the importance of continuing military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, and emphasizing the importance of sustained international support, with the United States of America as an indispensable pillar, for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, 15. Expressing full support for all international accountability efforts for war crimes committed in Ukraine, and recognizing that the documentation and prosecution of war crimes are essential for justice, deterrence and the long-term stability of the region, 16. Welcoming the work of the OSCE PA Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine (PSTU) as the Assembly’s principal advisory and co-ordinating platform for its efforts in support of Ukraine, and encouraging all OSCE PA delegations to discuss and benchmark national initiatives related to Ukraine with the PSTU to ensure consistency, and compliance with OSCE PA declarations, 17. Welcoming the PSTU’s efforts to place resilience at the core of its work and activities, including through the appointment of three special rapporteurs while maintaining close co-ordination with the Verkhovna Rada as well as with other parliamentary delegations, and expressing appreciation for the PSTU’s contribution to enabling a productive visit to Ukraine in February 2025 and facilitating a joint OSCE PA Bureau and PSTU meeting in Kyiv, which marked the first meeting of a multilateral institution in Kyiv since February 2022, 18. Recognizing attacks on critical infrastructure, including energy systems, healthcare networks, transportation systems, subsea cables, satellite networks and telecommunications, as unacceptable and illegitimate acts, and underscoring the need for enhanced international co-operation to mitigate risks across interconnected national, regional and international systems, 19. Condemning the ongoing hybrid warfare against Moldova, particularly its intensification during the 2024 presidential elections, which involves foreign interference through destabilization efforts, illicit political financing, disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks, 20. Expressing serious concern over the Russian Federation’s continued efforts to destabilize Moldova’s Transnistrian region, including the deliberate worsening of the energy crisis as a means of political and economic coercion, 21. Reaffirming that the continued presence of Russian Federation troops in Transnistria violates Moldova’s sovereignty and OSCE principles, and is in breach of the Russian Federation’s commitments under the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit and United Nations General Assembly resolution 72/282 of 22 June 2018 on the complete and unconditional withdrawal of foreign military forces from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and reiterating the OSCE PA’s commitment to achieving a comprehensive, peaceful and lasting political settlement on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River, in full respect of Moldova’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, 22. Condemning the systematic repression in Belarus, including arbitrary arrests, torture, harassment and illtreatment of detainees, which intensified ahead of the 2025 elections, as well as the denial of due process, suppression of independent media and targeting of civil society organizations, all of which undermine fundamental freedoms and democratic principles, 23. Further condemning Belarus’s role as enabler of Russian aggression, including its continued use of irregular migration as a hybrid tactic against neighbouring countries, posing serious security and humanitarian challenges, 24. Welcoming the progress in the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in particular the finalization of the text of the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, 25. Expressing deep concern over the Russian Federation’s continued occupation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia since 2008, which undermines regional security, and urging the full implementation of the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement, including the immediate withdrawal of Russian Federation forces to pre-conflict positions, unimpeded humanitarian access to affected areas and the safe and dignified return of displaced persons and refugees, and constructive engagement in the Geneva Discussions, 26. Expressing serious concern over the deteriorating political situation in Georgia, characterized by increasing democratic backsliding, intensifying political polarization and escalating restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and media independence, and condemning politically motivated detentions and judicial interference, which undermine democratic governance and Georgian European aspirations outlined in its Constitution, 27. Welcoming the agreement between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan completing the delineation and demarcation of their border, which represents a key step toward resolving a long-standing dispute and enhancing regional stability, and commending both governments for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful co-operation, 28. Welcoming the continued efforts of Tajikistan to stabilize its southern border with Afghanistan through regional co-operation and engagement with the OSCE, aiming to address cross-border security threats such as terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, and recognizing such actions as an important contribution to regional and OSCE-wide stability, 29. Reiterating its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist groups against civilians in Israel on 7 October 2023, as well as all subsequent attacks on Israeli territory, and emphasizing the urgent need to adhere to international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives and work towards de-escalation and a sustainable resolution to the conflict, 30. Welcoming the hostage–prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on 15 January 2025, considering it as an important step toward alleviating suffering and advancing conflict resolution in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 2728 (2024), 31. Reaffirming Israel’s right to exist and defend itself within the framework of international humanitarian law and under the requirement of proportionality, and expressing concern over the regional escalation of hostilities, including threats posed by Islamic Republic of Iran and its affiliated groups, such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthi movement, as well as other terrorist organizations, 32. Emphasizing that adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, is fundamental to maintaining peace and security in the Middle East, and underscoring the need to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, as also recalled by United Nations Security Council resolution 2730 (2024), 33. Emphasizing that the ongoing instability in the Middle East presents broader security risks, increasing threats of terrorism, radicalization, flow of migration, and the rise of hate speech, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, 34. Emphasizing the need for stability and reconstruction in Syria and the protection of human rights, for all segments of Syrian society, and calling for the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of refugees with necessary safeguards, 35. Encouraging OSCE participating States and international organizations to support mechanisms that monitor and report on the treatment of minorities in Syria, 36. Stressing the importance of addressing transnational organized crime, as well as the nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism, and calling upon OSCE participating States to enhance international and regional cooperation regarding law enforcement, border security and control, and investigative capabilities to support the OSCE Transnational Threats Department in this vein, 37. Reaffirming the importance of the women, peace and security agenda and of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions, which call for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace and security efforts, and urging OSCE participating States to accelerate the implementation of national action plans that advance gender equality in conflict prevention, resolution and peace-building, 38. Reaffirming commitment to the youth, peace and security agenda, recognizing the vital role of young people in conflict prevention, resolution and post-conflict recovery, marking the tenth anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 2250 (2015), and reiterating the call on OSCE participating States to develop and implement national action plans on youth, peace and security to enhance youth participation in decision-making processes and strengthen their role in promoting peace and stability, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 39. Demands that the Russian Federation immediately and unconditionally cease all acts of aggression, withdraw all its forces and military personnel from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and refrain from any further threats or use of force against Ukraine, and further demands the full reversal of its illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, and parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine; 40. Reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, and all temporarily occupied territories, recognizing Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations against the Russian Federation’s war of aggression; 41. Emphasizes the importance of sustained international support to Ukraine in defence of the Charter of the United Nations, OSCE Principles and Commitments and international law, and calls on OSCE participating States to stand united in all efforts to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, demand accountability and justice for war crimes, the consideration of reparation payments, and achieve a just and lasting peace; 42. Calls on OSCE participating States to continue to provide political, financial, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine to help withstand the hardship, strengthen its resilience and support its recovery; 43. Strongly condemns the widespread and systematic violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed by Russian Federation forces in Ukraine, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, acts of torture, sexual violence and other grave abuses that have resulted in immense human suffering, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, refugees and internally displaced persons; 44. Demands that the Russian Federation immediately and unconditionally cease its systematic and unlawful abduction, forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, which constitutes a grave violation of international law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and urges the international community to intensify efforts to locate, document and secure the safe return of all deported Ukrainian children to their families and homeland; 45. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including energy networks, schools, hospitals, residential areas and places of worship, as well as its attacks on critical infrastructure, which have exacerbated humanitarian suffering and economic devastation; 46. Calls on the Russian Federation to ensure the complete and unconditional exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons, and the return of all civilians forcibly transferred and deported, including children, while reiterating its urgent call for the immediate release of the three OSCE officials – Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov – who are still in detention; 47. Urges OSCE participating States to strengthen targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for, or complicit in, the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine and to collaborate in preventing sanctions evasion, particularly regarding export restrictions on military and dual-use goods; 48. Supports negotiations for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while strongly condemning any attempts to conduct peace talks without Ukraine’s full participation, and underscores that any settlement must align with international law including the Charter of the United Nations, OSCE principles and Ukraine’s legitimate interests; 49. Welcomes international initiatives aimed at achieving a peace agreement, and urges that such initiatives align with the Charter of the United Nations and OSCE principles and commitments, as well as international law; 50. Stresses that lasting peace in Ukraine must be accompanied by full accountability for war crimes and other violations of international law, emphasizing that ensuring justice for victims is essential to preventing impunity and future aggression, and calls on the international community to continue documenting, investigating and prosecuting all crimes committed during the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including through the International Criminal Court, the United Nations Human Rights Council and the OSCE Moscow Mechanism; 51. Emphasizes that the defence of Ukraine is not only a matter of regional security but also a test for the OSCE’s continued relevance and cohesion, and urges OSCE participating States to translate the legacy of the Helsinki Final Act into sustained, principled action in support of Ukraine; 52. Calls for enhanced collaboration between OSCE executive structures and the Parliamentary Assembly in contingency planning to outline potential roles for both entities across a range of plausible short- to medium-term scenarios; 53. Calls on the PSTU to maintain vigilant oversight of ongoing developments and adapt its strategic focus and support initiatives to align with the evolving circumstances on the ground; 54. Condemns increasing nuclear rhetoric, threats and arsenal modernization across the OSCE region, fuelled by the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, and urges all OSCE participating States to de-escalate and intensify efforts toward the peaceful settlement of disputes; 55. Denounces the Russian Federation’s escalating malign activities across the OSCE region, including cyberattacks on democratic institutions and critical infrastructure; 56. Urges all OSCE participating States to promote intergovernmental dialogue, modernize their legal framework and develop international commitments protecting critical infrastructure against current and evolving threats; 57. Demands that Belarus uphold the fundamental rights of detainees, ensure access to medical care, and allow contact with legal representatives, family members and international organizations in accordance with international human rights obligations; 58. Calls for a co-ordinated international response to prevent the instrumentalization of migration for political purposes in Belarus and broadly in the OSCE region; 59. Calls for Armenia and Azerbaijan to use the window of opportunity to sign and ratify the Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia as soon as possible, and encourages both sides to advance the normalization process in good faith and through constructive bilateral dialogue in all its aspects, including the border delimitation process and intensification of the efforts aimed at discussing and clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons; 60. Highlights the importance of connectivity for regional security and stability in the South Caucasus, and calls for the opening of regional infrastructure and communications based on the sovereignty and jurisdiction of all countries in the region; 61. Rejects any attempts to confer legitimacy on elections conducted in Georgia’s occupied regions under the Russian Federation’s control, including the presidential election held in Abkhazia on 2 March 2025, which lacks recognition under international law and represents a direct challenge to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; 62. Urges the Georgian authorities to fulfil their commitments to ensure civil society, independent media, activists and protesters can operate freely and safely, and to foster a transparent and inclusive political process that reflects broad societal participation and is grounded in democratic principles, including by releasing all political prisoners and rescinding the Russian-style “foreign agents” law; 63. Calls on all actors in the Middle East to adhere to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and reiterates the obligation to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers; 64. Strongly condemns the ongoing hostage-taking of Israeli civilians by Hamas since the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks, now persisting for over 540 days, as a grave violation of international humanitarian law, and urges Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release all remaining hostages; 65. Condemns any violations of the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on 15 January 2025; 66. Rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which potentially amount to the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, and reaffirms the vision of the two-State solution in accordance with international law; 67. Demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza that must be respected by all parties in the conflict, calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale by United Nations agencies and independent humanitarian partners, emphasizes the urgent restoration of essential humanitarian services in accordance with international humanitarian principles and law, and demands the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages; 68. Urges OSCE participating States to support the continued formation of a stable, unified and broadly representative Syrian Government that exists at peace with its neighbours and ensures the safety, liberty, and fundamental freedoms of all Syrians, and urges the Syrian Government to withdraw recognition of the “independence” of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia, and Tskhinvali, and the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and recognize the territorial integrity of Georgia and Ukraine; 69. Expresses deep concern over the recent violent clashes in Syria between supporters of the previous Government and the current administration’s security forces, which have resulted in unacceptable bloodshed, and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and the establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate the killings to ensure accountability for those responsible; 70. Encourages, within the context of countering terrorism and organized crime, enhanced co-operation in information sharing, capacity development and the exchange of best practices among the law enforcement and security agencies of OSCE participating States, 71. Calls for reinforced strategic autonomy and strengthened security and economic resilience across the European area in response to evolving global challenges, uncertainty surrounding transatlantic commitments and increasing geopolitical competition, and emphasizes the need to enhance defence capabilities, deepen strategic co-ordination and uphold multilateralism and the rules-based international order; 72. Welcomes, following the commitments already undertaken by the OSCE and its ongoing efforts to counter organized crime, and building upon the outcomes of the Rome Conference of 5–6 June 2025 on this issue, the promotion of the establishment of a Permanent Forum on the Rule of Law within the OSCE PA as an additional instrument for dialogue and international co-operation aimed at strengthening a shared and co-ordinated response to this global threat, open to the participation of representatives from OSCE participating States and partners; 73. Stresses that the protection of critical infrastructure must be treated as a top security priority, given its vulnerability to hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and sabotage, and underlines that safeguarding vital systems — including energy, water, transport, digital and health infrastructure — is essential to ensuring societal resilience and regional stability. CHAPTER II ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT 74. Recalling the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, as its 50th anniversary is commemorated this year, and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, particularly their commitments to fostering co-operation among OSCE participating States in the economic, scientific, technological and environmental fields, 75. Recognizing the importance of international co-operation in addressing global challenges to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth within the OSCE region, and emphasizing that constructive dialogue and collaboration are essential for advancing collective well-being, sustainable security, economic stability and environmental resilience, 76. Emphasizing the unique role of national parliaments in adopting legislation, exercising oversight, mobilizing resources, promoting public participation and enhancing cross-regional co-operation to advance economic and environmental security, 77. Welcoming the adoption of the United Nations Pact for the Future as an urgent global appeal for strengthening multilateralism, promoting sustainable development and addressing emerging global challenges, including through increased youth engagement, 78. Recalling the 2024 OSCE PA Bucharest Declaration, which underscores the need for enhanced multilateral diplomacy in addressing challenges related to climate change, energy security, environmental protection, sustainable development, artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization and demographic shifts in the OSCE region, 79. Underscoring the OSCE PA’s strong support for the work of Finland’s Chairpersonship of the OSCE in building critical consensus around pressing second-dimension security concerns, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities in supporting OSCE participating States to implement their economic and environmental commitments, and OSCE field operations in promoting sustainable development, environmental protection and connectivity across the OSCE region, 80. Welcoming the OSCE PA’s contribution to relevant OSCE efforts aimed at promoting security dialogue in the economic and environmental spheres, including through dedicated events and conferences, 81. Applauding the growing engagement of the OSCE PA in matters pertaining to economic and environmental security, including but not limited to through the dedicated efforts of its Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine, the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration and the Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, as well as through the work of numerous Special Representatives whose mandates complement the efforts of the General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, 82. Condemning the Russian Federation’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, and gravely concerned about the severe socio-economic and environmental impact of the war, including widespread destruction of critical energy and civilian infrastructure, potential radiological hazards stemming from attacks near and around nuclear power plants, extensive deforestation, pollution, water disruptions, including the destruction of Nova Kakhovka Dam, leading to long-term ecological damage, and heavy metal contamination in the food and water chains, as well as the displacement of millions of people, both refugees and internally displaced people, 83. Alarmed in particular by the war’s contribution to climate change through increased carbon emissions from military operations, wildfires, and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, 84. Supporting an active role for the OSCE in the post-conflict recovery and rehabilitation of Ukraine through infrastructure rebuilding, economic stabilization and integration into European energy and transport networks, while emphasizing the urgent need for demining landmines and unexploded ordnance to restore farmland and trade routes, facilitate the safe return of displaced persons and support environmental recovery, 85. Reiterating the positive impact of trade, connectivity and economic integration on peace and stability across the OSCE region, while also recognizing the importance of establishing resilient supply chains and strengthening national industries and markets, 86. Deeply alarmed by the introduction of new, unjustified trade barriers and tariffs that threaten to severely disrupt international trade, fracture global supply chains and trigger renewed inflationary pressures, thereby undermining economic stability and security across the OSCE region, 87. Reiterating the crucial role of private businesses and public–private partnerships in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and advancing sustainable development, 88. Recognizing that economic development and environmental protection are mutually reinforcing, and acknowledging the crucial role of technology and science in advancing both objectives, 89. Underscoring the vital role of youth in shaping sustainable economic and environmental policies, and emphasizing the importance of actively including young people’s voices in decision-making processes to foster innovation, inclusivity and long-term resilience, 90. Committing to responsible and sustainable economic development, founded on the reasonable use of resources, technological innovation, and access to clean and affordable energy for all, 91. Welcoming the efforts of several OSCE participating States to modernize their industries, including through initiatives aimed at enhancing decarbonization, digital transformation, energy efficiency and the circular economy, as well as with policies strengthening technological innovation, workforce development and critical infrastructure protection, 92. Reiterating that unhindered access to, and affordability of, energy is a prerequisite for socio-economic development, social justice and the well-being of societies, and therefore confirming the necessity of implementing a transition that leaves no one behind, making energy accessible and affordable to all, 93. Recognizing the importance of energy security, and convinced that diversifying energy sources towards clean energy will reduce dependency, ease geopolitical tensions and strengthen economic resilience, 94. Acknowledging the role of various low-carbon technologies in contributing to long-term energy security and emissions reductions, while emphasizing the importance of safety, transparency and international co- operation in their development and deployment, 95. Recognizing that biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental degradation constitute a major environmental crisis, threatening food security, fresh water availability and ecosystem stability, and are directly impacting public health and citizens’ well-being, 96. Concerned about the record-breaking global temperatures in 2024 and the increasing severity of climateinduced natural disasters, which underscore the urgent need for strengthened collaboration, 97. Calling for an OSCE-supported environmental damage assessment in Ukraine, including analysis of radiological risks, ecosystem degradation and water contamination, to inform targeted recovery, international accountability and sustainable restoration efforts, 98. Recognizing climate change as a threat multiplier that exacerbates existing social, economic and geopolitical tensions, leading to increased forced migration and environmental insecurity, and also acknowledging the complex links between climate change, conflict and security, as well as the fact that climate change can intensify resource competition, 99. Welcoming the outcomes of 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, whereby Member States reaffirmed the urgency of cutting global greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal; adopted a new collective quantified goal on climate finance with the aim of mobilizing at least US$300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in their climate action efforts; launched the Baku Adaptation Roadmap to enhance resilience and adaptation to climate change; and agreed on Article 6 standards under the Paris Agreement to establish transparent and co-operative carbon markets that facilitate cost-effective climate action, 100. Emphasizing that withdrawing from international climate agreements undermines global efforts and commitments to combat climate change, 101. Welcoming the official contribution of the OSCE to COP29 in Baku in November 2024, which emphasized the nexus between climate and energy security and the need to promote co-operative approaches in addressing climate change and environmental degradation, 102. Recognizing that women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change owing to socioeconomic inequalities, and emphasizing the importance of mentorship and empowerment to ensure their full participation in climate action and decision-making, 103. Determined to resolutely address the challenges posed by climate change through enhanced international co-operation and co-ordination at all levels, which takes into account its differentiated impact on different regions and individuals, 104. Noting the strategic and environmental significance of the Arctic region, where rapid climate change has intensified geopolitical competition and environmental degradation, and stressing the need to protect indigenous communities, preserve fragile ecosystems and ensure responsible resource management across the OSCE space, 105. Recalling the special debate on Climate Migration in the OSCE Region held at the 2025 OSCE PA Winter Meeting in Vienna, which flagged the need to pay more attention to the impact of climate change on human mobility, including by integrating climate change-related considerations into migration management policies, and vice versa, 106. Recognizing climate-induced human mobility as a growing trend across the OSCE region, and acknowledging that, while environmental degradation and climate change can drive displacement and strain resources, well-managed migration can foster economic growth, innovation and international cooperation, contributing to more resilient and adaptive societies, 107. Noting that demographic changes, including declining birth rates and ageing populations, are reshaping societies across the OSCE region, leading to significant economic and social challenges, such as strained pension systems and labour market shortages, and emphasizing the need for innovative policy responses to address these issues, 108. Highlighting the importance of regional co-operation and transboundary connectivity in water resource management, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Central Asia and the Mediterranean region, to ensure sustainable use, equitable distribution and long-term resilience, and recognizing the Aral Sea case as a cautionary example underscoring the urgent need for foresighted, integrated and co-operative water governance, 109. Stressing the indispensable role of science and technology in developing effective solutions to complex global challenges, and emphasizing the need for a robust and transparent science/policy interface to inform decision-making at all levels, 110. Recognizing, in particular, the vital role of technological innovation in advanced solutions for pollution control, including improved plastic waste management and microplastic removal from ecosystems, 111. Underscoring the need for inclusive digitalization, ensuring that all citizens can actively participate in political, social, economic and cultural life — including through non-digital means, 112. Stressing the growing relevance of media and information literacy, including AI literacy, in increasingly digitalized and polarized societies, as well as the key role played by families, schools and local communities in promoting critical thinking among young people, which is a key skill in understanding and evaluating both online and offline content, 113. Recognizing the transformative nature of AI and its potential for fostering economic growth, innovation and efficiency across various sectors, including energy, health care, education and public administration, and welcoming further research in this field, 114. Concerned by the impact of AI on labour markets, the opacity of AI decision-making processes — which could lead to biased decision-making — and its possible misuse, including in the context of data privacy, manipulation of information, cybersecurity, and automated decision-making, 115. Recognizing that good governance is instrumental to stability, economic prosperity and democratic resilience, and emphasizing that strong, transparent and accountable institutions are essential for fostering public trust and ensuring fair economies, 116. Concerned that corruption remains a significant challenge across the OSCE region, eroding public trust in institutions, distorting fair economic competition and undermining democratic governance, 117. Also concerned about the growing threat posed by money laundering, which benefits from poorly regulated virtual assets, distorts the economy, undermines financial stability and facilitates organized crime and terrorism, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 118. Urges the Russian Federation to immediately end its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, which has gravely weakened economic and environmental security across the region; 119. Calls on the Russian Federation to immediately cease all military activities in Ukraine and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine; release Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained Ukrainian civilians, and return abducted Ukrainian children; and compensate Ukraine for the damage caused to its people, land, nature and infrastructure; 120. Encourages the OSCE and its participating States to contribute resources and expertise to the process of reconstructing Ukraine with the objective of promoting long-term socio-economic resilience and geopolitical independence, including by prioritizing reforms aimed at rebuilding its energy and transport networks, recovering its economy, addressing skilled labour shortages, enhancing investment confidence, strengthening the rule of law, fostering transparent and inclusive government structures and facilitating the safe return of all displaced persons and refugees; 121. Calls on OSCE participating States to unlock the full value of an estimated US$300 billion in Russian sovereign assets frozen across the region by repurposing the underlying principal, in sizeable increments and on a regular and timely schedule, for Ukraine until the Russian Federation ends its aggression and agrees to compensate Ukraine for damages directly resulting from the war; 122. Encourages OSCE participating States to prosecute, in the context of an armed conflict, deliberate belligerent actions causing widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment as war crimes, in accordance with the Statute of the International Criminal Court (art. 8.2.b.iv); 123. Calls on OSCE participating States to strengthen economic connectivity and trade facilitation, including through regional agreements and transit corridors, promote mechanisms for market integration, eliminate unjustified trade barriers and foster cross-border economic collaboration to prevent trade disputes that could disrupt regional stability; 124. Encourages OSCE participating States to strengthen regional co-operation in the Western Balkans by supporting joint projects in the fields of green economy, sustainable infrastructure and environmental security, building on existing connectivity and economic integration initiatives to promote stability, resilience and shared prosperity in this strategic region; 125. Calls on OSCE participating States to implement energy security policies that reduce fossil fuel dependency, promote clean energy diversification, and enhance energy resilience, accessibility and affordability while ensuring the transparent and safe deployment of emerging energy solutions; 126. Calls on OSCE participating States to adopt a holistic approach to the rational management of water, energy and food resources, promoting co-ordinated and integrated policies that enhance efficiency, long-term sustainability and citizens’ well-being; 127. Urges the adoption and implementation of legislation across the OSCE region that promotes environmental goals by ensuring transparency and fair trade in carbon-intensive industries, particularly by making products’ carbon emissions explicit and closing “carbon leakage” loopholes that result when lower-carbon products are replaced by carbon-intensive alternatives; 128. Urges OSCE participating States to prioritize scientific research, green technology development and productive investments that create high-quality jobs and drive sustainable economic growth; 129. Calls on governments to adopt ambitious climate action plans aligned with the outcomes of COP29 and the targets of the Paris Agreement, by enhancing mitigation, adaptation and a just transition from fossil fuels — including economy-wide emission reductions — and by mobilizing US$300 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries by 2035; 130. Reiterates its call on OSCE participating States to co-operate across borders on disaster relief, enhance common early warning systems, improve hazard mapping, increase capacity for disaster preparedness and response, and set up contingency funds to prepare for the increased frequency of climate-related shocks; 131. Calls on OSCE participating States to strengthen environmental conservation efforts, restore degraded ecosystems and promote biodiversity, including by adopting sustainable land-use and agricultural policies, as well as by regularly monitoring the status of the environment and strengthening efforts aimed at identifying the main causes of environmental degradation; 132. Invites governments to strengthen regulations against illegal deforestation and unsustainable land use while promoting reforestation and agroforestry initiatives to ensure long-term ecological and economic resilience; 133. Urges OSCE participating States to safeguard water as a strategic natural resource – indispensable to human life and instrumental in maintaining peace and promoting security – and to strengthen co-operation on water management and wastewater treatment; 134. Calls on OSCE participating States to adopt a strategic approach and to secure their sources of rare earth elements and critical materials, which are essential to the manufacture of many technological and digital items and also to the energy transition by: reducing their dependence on non-member States for their extraction and exploitation; investing in mining activities as well as in refining and processing industries’; facilitating the emergence of a recycling industry, and speeding up research and applications concerning possible substitutions; 135. Calls on governments and parliaments to stay duly attuned with advances in new technologies, particularly AI, and to ensure that citizens’ security and wellbeing remain central to all related efforts, including by foreseeing adequate oversight mechanisms; 136. Calls on OSCE participating States to develop regulatory frameworks ensuring the ethical, transparent and secure development, deployment and use of AI, safeguarding fundamental rights and data privacy, mitigating the polarization and discrimination risks posed by algorithmic biases, while also fostering innovation and socioeconomic development; 137. Encourages OSCE participating States to assess and mitigate the environmental impact of AI systems by promoting sustainable development practices, energy-efficient algorithms and increased international co- operation on green technology standards; 138. Urges OSCE participating States to include and strengthen information and media literacy, digital literacy and civic education programmes in school curricula, endorsing a comprehensive approach that incorporates multiple perspectives, including fostering critical thinking in students, actively engaging parents and expanding teacher training programmes; 139. Calls on the Standing Committee to review and develop a proposal by the next Annual Session on how to achieve a better gender balance within the OSCE PA, by countering the under-representation of women in the Assembly, in order to promote gender equality, and achieve fair and equal decision-making; 140. Proposes the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence within the OSCE PA, building on the work of the current Special Representative, with the aim of institutionalizing efforts in Al governance through continuous dialogue, exchange of best practices and comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks, ethical challenges and societal impacts among OSCE participating States; 141. Calls upon institutions and governments to strengthen their capacities to detect, prevent and counter foreign information manipulation and interference activities, including those amplified or generated through AI tools, such as AI driven bots, algorithmic manipulation and deepfakes, which are increasingly used to distort public discourse, undermine democratic institutions and erode trust in electoral processes; 142. Encourages OSCE participating States to prioritize policies that foster technological innovation and workforce retraining, especially in response to the impact of AI on labour markets and economic structures; 143. Calls on governments to integrate human mobility considerations into national climate adaptation plans, thereby addressing the needs of displaced populations while fostering resilience and long-term socio-economic stability; 144. Urges OSCE participating States to enhance international co-ordination on migration governance, improve legal pathways for migration, strengthen border management and support countries most affected by displacement crises; 145. Invites governments to facilitate labour migration policies that address skill shortages, support fair working conditions for migrants and promote cross border recognition of qualifications to ensure economic resilience and workforce sustainability; 146. Urges governments to intensify efforts against corruption, money laundering and financing of terrorism, including by aligning national legislation with relevant international standards, enhancing transparency across all sectors, better regulating virtual assets and strengthening cross-border co-operation and intelligence-sharing; 147. Encourages private businesses to implement good governance practices to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible corporate engagement in all their initiatives; 148. Welcomes the adoption by consensus of the world’s first pandemic agreement by the World Health Assembly, and encourages all OSCE participating States to take the necessary steps for its domestic implementation, with the aim of strengthening global co-operation in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response; 149. Calls on OSCE participating States to strengthen compliance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, while also aligning with the Financial Action Task Force recommendations and the Council of Europe’s Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism (CETS No. 198) to reinforce transparency, accountability and the rule of law; 150. Encourages the OSCE PA General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment to continue raising awareness and providing an open platform for sharing knowledge and engaging with OSCE executive structures, national experts, the scientific community and the business sector, in order to promote co-ordination and policy convergence on key economic and environmental security challenges; 151. Invites the OSCE PA International Secretariat to continue engaging in goal-oriented co-operation with the OSCE executive structures and with other international organizations to promote economic and environmental security in line with relevant OSCE PA resolutions. CHAPTER III DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN QUESTIONS 152. Recalling that, with the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, OSCE participating States committed to upholding, respecting and protecting fundamental freedoms and human rights as essential pillars for peace and security in the region, 153. Acknowledging with grave concern that many individuals across the OSCE region continue to be denied their fundamental freedoms and human rights, and emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard and advance these rights as vital to fostering sustainable peace, strengthening democracy and promoting prosperity in the region, 154. Deploring, in this context, the devastating consequences of the persistent violations of the Helsinki Final Act by the Russian Federation and Belarus, affecting the whole OSCE area, 155. Recognizing that the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act provides a critical opportunity for OSCE participating States to reaffirm their human dimension commitments, intensify efforts towards the full implementation of internationally binding human rights obligations, and hold the Russian Federation fully accountable for the atrocities and crimes committed in and against Ukraine in its war of aggression launched with the involvement of Belarus, 156. Noting the vital role of parliamentarians in advancing human rights and democracy through the enactment and amendment of legislation, overseeing its implementation, ensuring government accountability, mobilizing resources and promoting public participation in decision-making processes, 157. Strongly supporting the OSCE PA’s efforts to strengthen human rights and democracy, including, but not limited to, the work of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, the Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, the Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine and the special representatives, 158. Calling attention to the crucial work of the OSCE’s autonomous institutions, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Representative on Freedom of the Media, who carry out their respective mandates to assist OSCE participating States in upholding its human dimension commitments, and reiterating the strong support of the OSCE PA for these institutions, 159. Underlining the OSCE PA’s support for Finland’s Chairpersonship and its priorities pertaining to human dimension commitments, including the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights defenders, the enhancement of media freedom, the advancement of gender equality and inclusion, the fight against human trafficking and exploitation of migrants and refugees and the strengthening of the OSCE’s operational capacities and field operations, 160. Welcoming Switzerland’s upcoming Chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2026 and its intention to promote respect for the principles of the Helsinki Final Act in support of lasting peace in Europe, as well as to strengthen and support democracy, the rule of law and human rights, 161. Highlighting the essential role of democratic institutions and the rule of law in protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, promoting stability, inclusivity and peace across the OSCE region, 162. Recognizing the indispensable role of a free and independent civil society in promoting stability and prosperity, and acknowledging the significant contributions of non-governmental organizations in advocating for public interests and advancing societal progress, 163. Underlining the importance of the OSCE PA’s election observation missions, carried out in close cooperation with ODIHR, to support and improve electoral processes in accordance with the commitments under the 1990 Copenhagen Document, 164. Unequivocally condemning the severe and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and human rights norms perpetrated by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine, including the ongoing deliberate attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, which continue to cause immeasurable human suffering and further destabilize the region, undermine human dignity, and constitute flagrant violations of the OSCE’s founding human dimension commitments, 165. Highlighting the findings of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism reports, which present compelling evidence of the Russian Federation’s severe atrocities during its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, including widespread violations of international law, and emphasizing the urgent need for action to halt the actions perpetrated by the aggressor State, 166. Recalling serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the potential spillover effects that endanger regional stability, including within the OSCE region, 167. Acknowledging with deep regret that civilians, particularly women and children, constitute the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict, including refugees and internally displaced persons, and are increasingly targeted by combatants, while recognizing the severe impact that this has on the prospects for lasting peace, 168. Stressing the disproportionate impact of armed conflicts on women and children, particularly in Ukraine, and calling for targeted OSCE-supported psychosocial assistance and protection services for survivors of conflict related violence, 169. Extremely concerned by the continued imprisonment of political prisoners in countries across the OSCE region, including incommunicado detention, torture and denial of legal and medical access, and deeply troubled by the growing repression of dissent through politically motivated arrests, 170. Solemnly commemorating the upcoming fifth anniversary of the wave of mass repressions in Belarus following the falsified presidential election of 2020, and abhorring the political imprisonment of over 1,000 Belarusians to this day, including prominent political figures and human rights defenders, some of whom have been held incommunicado for years, 171. Noting with concern the ongoing discrimination, systemic inequalities and insufficient protections experienced by minority groups, including those based on ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and legal status, and other vulnerable populations across the OSCE region, which hinder their ability to fully enjoy their fundamental freedoms and human rights, 172. Expressing grave concern over efforts in numerous OSCE participating States to extend government control and impose restrictive measures on civil society and non-governmental organizations through the enactment of “foreign agent” laws, which undermine their ability to operate freely and independently, 173. Acknowledging the vital role of journalists and media workers in elections, particularly in informing the public about candidates, their platforms and ongoing discussions, 174. Expressing alarm over the post-election developments in Georgia following the 26 October 2024 parliamentary elections, including reports of arbitrary detentions, violence and ill-treatment of protesters, opposition leaders and media representatives, as documented by civil society organizations and the Public Defender of Georgia, 175. Highlighting the vital role of media workers, including journalists and citizen journalists, in informing the public about violations of national and international law, ensuring access to reliable information and forming an objective understanding of events amid the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, 176. Deeply concerned that journalists and media workers in the OSCE region face significant risks of human rights violations, including killings, torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrest and physical, sexual, and gender-based violence, as well as threats, harassment and intimidation, obstructing the press’s vital role in providing the public with essential information and holding those in power accountable, 177. Noting the urgent challenges faced by millions of refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons and individuals without legal status both within and outside OSCE borders, and underscoring the duty to safeguard their protection and security, with particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups such as women and children, 178. Alarmed by the growing trend of legislative changes across the OSCE region resulting in the adoption of discriminatory laws targeting LGBTI individuals, which undermine their fundamental human rights and freedoms, contrary to established international human rights standards, and recognizing the harmful impact which these laws have on the safety, dignity and equality of LGBTI individuals, 179. Concerned that, in many OSCE participating States, women remain under-represented in political life, and equally troubled by the presence of gender based discriminatory policies in numerous OSCE participating States that hinder women’s full participation in public and political affairs, 180. Recalling the goals and commitments of the Beijing Declaration, particularly those aimed at addressing sexual violence and protecting women in armed conflict, while stressing the critical importance of upholding women’s rights, eliminating gender-based violence, and promoting women’s active participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes, which are integral to achieving lasting peace and security, 181. Stressing the importance of youth participation in public and political life to advance human rights and democracy, and acknowledging the essential role of young people in strengthening efforts to foster inclusive and democratic societies, 182. Recognizing the risks posed by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in relation to its potential impact on media freedom, and the growing threat to the integrity of democratic processes through the widespread dissemination of misinformation and disinformation, 183. Underlining the crucial role that parliamentary diplomacy can play in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, and emphasizing that the OSCE PA serves as a unique platform for fostering dialogue and sharing best practices to support national parliaments in strengthening their efforts to meet their international human rights obligations, 184. Expressing strong support for international and regional organizations as key frameworks for addressing emerging human rights challenges, and acknowledging their essential role in advancing human rights standards, enhancing co-operation and pursuing accountability to uphold universal human rights norms enshrined in international law, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 185. Strongly urges the Russian Federation to end its war of aggression against Ukraine and to fully comply with binding obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to take immediate steps to protect civilians and alleviate human suffering; 186. Calls upon the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces and proxies from all internationally recognized territories of Ukraine, to immediately and unconditionally cease all military operations against Ukraine and halt all attacks on civilians, including, but not limited to, wilful killings, deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, unlawful confinement, illegal arrests, forced deportations, torture and sexual violence; 187. Deeply distressed by the significant number of deaths and injuries suffered by children in Ukraine as a result of the ongoing full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, recognizing the profound and lasting impact this violence has on their physical, emotional and psychological well-being, and reiterates the urgent need for specific measures to protect children as a vulnerable group; 188. Strongly condemns the mistreatment of prisoners of war, including abuse, torture and extrajudicial executions, by the Russian Federation, in violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I; 189. Condemns in the strongest terms the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children to Russian-occupied territories and the Russian Federation, recognizing such acts as potential crimes against humanity, in violation of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; 190. Urges the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally release all unlawfully detained Ukrainian citizens, including those forcibly transferred or deported to Russian Federation-occupied territories or to the Russian Federation itself; 191. Deplores the Russian Federation’s persistent denial of access to humanitarian organizations attempting to provide aid to Ukrainian prisoners of war in territories under its control, amid increasing evidence of mock executions, electrocution, beatings and other forms of torture and inhumane treatment of detainees; 192. Strongly condemns the unlawful detention of OSCE officials Maksym Petrov, Dmytro Shabanov and Vadym Golda by Russian Federation authorities, and reiterates its call for their immediate and unconditional release; 193. Reaffirms its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine, acknowledges Ukraine’s recent accession as the 125th State party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, and recognizes both as crucial steps towards ensuring justice for victims, while reinforcing the international community’s commitment to preventing impunity and promoting lasting peace and stability in the region; 194. Notes the issuance of ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and former Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, in connection with alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between 8 October 2023 and 20 May 2024, and underlines the imperative of ensuring full accountability by bringing those responsible for such grave violations of international law to justice; 195. Supports international efforts to hold accountable those responsible for aggression against Ukraine, including through the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression; 196. Expresses deep regret over the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, and reiterates its call for both parties to immediately and unconditionally implement the ceasefire agreement reached on 15 January 2025, recognizing it as a crucial step toward alleviating the suffering of affected populations and advancing a peaceful resolution, in line with United Nations Security Council resolution 2728 (2024); 197. Reiterates its call for the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring that sufficient humanitarian assistance reaches those in need without delay or obstruction, and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, emphasizing the urgency of these actions to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and protect the rights and well-being of all affected individuals; 198. Encourages OSCE participating States to support legal mechanisms ensuring full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law in the context of the Middle East conflict, including in Gaza, including the implementation of the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on 26 January 2024, and to back recourse to available legal avenues under international law to investigate and prosecute reported war crimes and crimes against humanity since 7 October 2023; 199. Urgently demands the unconditional release of illegally detained journalists and all political prisoners unlawfully held in the OSCE region, and emphasizes the binding international human rights responsibilities of OSCE participating States regarding the protection of civil and political freedoms; 200. Urges OSCE participating States to bring their legal frameworks into full compliance with international human rights standards, ensuring the protection of LGBTI rights, and to take comprehensive measures to prevent, investigate and hold accountable those responsible for acts of violence and discrimination against LGBTI individuals; 201. Further urges OSCE participating States to take immediate and effective action to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, in accordance with international human rights obligations, and to ensure equal legal protection and access to justice for victims by investigating and prosecuting those responsible, regardless of whether the perpetrators are State or non-State actors and irrespective of whether the crimes occur during armed conflict, in detention or in other contexts; 202. Calls on the OSCE PA to organize activities focused on youth participation, in collaboration with the Special Representative on Youth Engagement and the OSCE PA Network of Young Parliamentarians, aimed at empowering young people to actively engage in political processes; 203. Welcomes ODIHR’s comprehensive initiative on parliamentary bodies for gender equality as part of its Gender-responsive Governance Toolkit, and encourages national parliaments to work closely with ODIHR to enhance gender equality frameworks within legislative bodies; 204. Calls on the OSCE PA and ODIHR to further explore and develop innovative methods for election observation that effectively address evolving challenges, including technological advances, hybrid threats and changes in electoral practices, in order to ensure continued credibility, adaptability and effectiveness of election observation missions; 205. Expresses concern over the continued misuse of the consensus rule, which is preventing the holding of the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, and calls for urgent efforts by OSCE participating States to reach a timely agreement on the agenda, recognizing the meeting as a key platform for addressing human rights issues; 206. Strongly condemns the threats, reprisals, violence and abuses, including targeting, criminalization, arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearance and killing of opposition figures, political dissidents, human rights defenders and other individuals in the OSCE region for their advocacy, reporting of or involvement in activities such as human rights work, political opposition and engagement with national or international bodies, particularly when such acts are perpetrated or tolerated by national authorities and remain inadequately addressed; 207. Encourages OSCE participating States to adopt national resolutions designating 30 October as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repression to honour those persecuted for their political beliefs, raise awareness of ongoing violations and promote efforts for justice and accountability in the protection of political freedoms; 208. Calls on the OSCE PA to develop a framework for observing and highlighting the cases of incarcerated political prisoners, such as official visits and inspections of their condition and advocacy for their rights; 209. Stresses the need to safeguard the rights of all persons affected by the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and calls on both parties to address all outstanding human rights and humanitarian issues in line with their respective commitments under international human rights and humanitarian law, including ensuring the fair and humane treatment of prisoners of war and other detainees, and calls on the international community to support Azerbaijan in its humanitarian demining, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in territories devastated by adverse actions and contaminated with landmines and explosive ordnance during the former conflict; 210. Urges OSCE participating States to align their laws, policies and practices with international human rights obligations, and to review, amend, or repeal any measures that restrict journalists and media workers from carrying out their work independently and without interference; 211. Urges OSCE participating States to increase efforts to ensure the protection and dignified treatment of refugees, forcibly displaced persons and migrants, regardless of their legal status, in line with international human rights obligations and OSCE commitments, while also strengthening measures to combat human trafficking, as well as smuggling of migrants and other forms of exploitation, which pose a significant threat to human security across the OSCE region; 212. Urges OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to uphold obligations under international law for the protection of religious and cultural heritage, and deplores any destruction, looting or alteration of religious and historical monuments; 213. Expresses profound concern over the recent and abrupt reductions in foreign aid by the United States of America, emphasizing the crucial contributions of agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development, the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute and the National Endowment for Democracy in advancing global health, food security, education, disaster relief and democratization efforts, and urges OSCE participating States to uphold foreign aid commitments as indispensable for addressing humanitarian challenges and democracy vulnerabilities and promoting both regional and global stability; 214. Acknowledges the disproportionately negative impacts that foreign aid cuts have on women-led and women’s rights organizations, including those which provide vital services and protection for women, girls and marginalized populations, and encourages OSCE participating States to increase their support for gender equality globally through new and multi-year foreign aid commitments earmarked for this priority; 215. Encourages OSCE participating States to strengthen democratic resilience by enhancing safeguards against disinformation and misinformation, as well as against foreign interference and propaganda, particularly through co-ordinated responses to the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI, social media manipulation and cyberthreats; 216. Encourages OSCE participating States and relevant stakeholders to promote safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems that respect, protect, and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, while urging them to refrain from using AI systems that do not guarantee compliance with international human rights law or that may pose undue risks to human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups; 217. Welcomes the invocation of the OSCE Vienna Mechanism in response to the mass protests in Georgia following the 26 October 2024 parliamentary elections, which were marked by several inconsistencies according to the ODIHR election observation mission final report, recognizes the importance of this mechanism in addressing concerns over human rights, democratic processes and the rule of law, and urges continued dialogue and cooperation to ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms, principally via the immediate release of all political prisoners and the holding of new, free and fair elections that truly reflect the will of the Georgian people; 218. Welcomes the conclusion of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, acknowledging it as a significant step towards the full normalization of bilateral relations, with the potential to foster lasting peace and stability in the region, and encourages both parties to build upon this achievement to further promote and protect fundamental freedoms and human rights for all people in the region; 219. Encourages the OSCE PA General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions to keep facilitating dialogue, raising awareness, and sharing expertise, while working closely with OSCE executive structures and institutions, as well as other relevant external partners, to enhance coordination and align policies on key human rights and democracy challenges. RESOLUTION ON THE HELSINKI PROCESS 50 YEARS ON 1. Recognizing that the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 emerged from a time of intense mistrust among OSCE participating States and contributed in a substantive way to improved relations within and between OSCE participating States, 2. Recalling that Final Act’s application of a comprehensive security approach, including recognizing respect for human rights as a basic principle for relations between States, has improved the lives of countless people within the OSCE space, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 3. Applauds the signatories of the Helsinki Final Act for their leadership and vision in creating a forum for political dialogue on comprehensive security; 4. Reiterates the continued importance of the Helsinki Final Act and the relevance of its principles; 5. Recognizes the Helsinki Final Act as a cornerstone of the transatlantic security architecture that has underpinned peace, security and prosperity in Europe since World War II, and reaffirms the importance of transatlantic partnerships and co-operation to the common security of OSCE participating States; 6. Recommits to upholding and promoting the Principles Guiding Relations between Participating States outlined in the Helsinki Final Act: I. Sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty II. Refraining from the threat or use of force III. Inviolability of frontiers IV. Territorial integrity of States V. Peaceful settlement of disputes VI. Non-intervention in internal affairs VII. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief VIII. Equal rights and self-determination of peoples IX. Co-operation among States X. Fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law; 7. Calls on the OSCE Ministerial Council to relaunch political dialogue on a par with the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe process of the early 1970s, aimed at adapting the security system to modern challenges; 8. Recommends that the OSCE Ministerial Council particularly consider strengthening the OSCE’s monitoring of the implementation of OSCE commitments and principles and developing response mechanisms; 9. Urges the OSCE Ministerial Council to further consider ways of limiting the requirement for consensus in decision-making processes to political decisions that may have security implications for OSCE participating States, allowing decisions on administrative, organizational or procedural matters to be adopted by a simple or qualified majority, thereby enabling the effective operation of the Organization. RESOLUTION ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HELSINKI FINAL ACT: GLOBAL CHAL- LENGES FOR PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE OSCE REGION 1. Welcoming the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act and fully respecting the principles that were set forth: sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, refraining from the threat or use of force, inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity of States, peaceful settlement of disputes, nonintervention in internal affairs, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, equal rights and self-determination of peoples, co-operation among States and fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law, 2. Acknowledging that ensuring respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a prerequisite for lasting security and peace among and within States as well as the comprehensive approach of the OSCE to security, human rights, democracy and the rule of law as core and shared commitments of OSCE participating States, 3. Recalling the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, which was meant to mark the historic changes taking place in Europe and develop approaches to addressing new challenges in the post-Cold War period, as well as the Istanbul Charter for European Security, the Astana Commemorative Declaration: Towards a Security Community, and all OSCE preventive mechanisms, 4. Welcoming the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, and being fully committed to the Charter of the United Nations and all principles and norms of international law, 5. Strenuously reiterating unwavering and robust support for Ukraine and condemning in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and breaches of international human rights law, 6. Taking into account United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/262 of 27 March 2014 on the territorial integrity of Ukraine; General Assembly resolutions 71/205 of 19 December 2016, 72/190 of 19 December 2017, 73/263 of 22 December 2018, 74/168 of 18 December 2019 and 75/192 of 16 December 2020 on the situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine; General Assembly resolutions 76/179 of 16 December 2021 and 77/229 of 15 December 2022 on the situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine; General Assembly resolution 78/221 of 19 December 2023 on the situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol; General Assembly resolutions 73/194 of 17 December 2018, 74/17 of 9 December 2019, 75/29 of 7 December 2020 and 76/70 of 9 December 2021 on the problem of militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine) as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov; General Assembly resolution 78/316 of 11 July 2024 on safety and security of nuclear facilities of Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant; General Assembly resolutions ES-11/1 of 2 March 2022 on aggression against Ukraine, ES-11/2 of 24 March 2022 on humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine, ES-11/4 of 12 October 2022 on territorial integrity of Ukraine: defending the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, ES-11/5 of 14 November 2022 on furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine, ES-11/6 of 23 February 2023 on principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and ES-11/7 of 24 February 2025 on advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine; and International Maritime Organization Assembly resolution A.1192(33) of 6 December 2023 on preventing illegal operations in the maritime sector by the “dark fleet” or “shadow fleet”, 7. Stressing that Ukraine, as a signatory State of the Charter of the United Nations who gave up the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world, is defending itself in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter, fully respects the principles and norms of international law and is committed to the peaceful resolution of armed conflicts, 8. Stressing that the use of armed force against Ukraine by the Russian Federation is a crime of aggression and a grave violation of the principles and norms of international law, primarily the Charter of the United Nations, the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe of 1 August 1975, and the Memorandum on security assurances in connection with Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of 5 December 1994, 9. Underlining that the Russian Federation’s authorities and occupation administration are committing the crime of genocide against Ukrainian people, including through the systematic indoctrination of Ukrainian children in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine aimed at erasing their national identity, replacing Ukrainian culture and language with the Russian Federation’s narratives, and forcibly imposing loyalty to the Russian State and symbols, 10. Recalling that such practices constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child and may amount to a war crime and a crime against humanity, 11. Expressing deep concern regarding further widespread use of repressive tactics, including arbitrary detention and physical violence, that contradict the shared OSCE commitments to strengthen civil society and respect the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom from arbitrary arrest, 12. Emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen nuclear safety and the non-proliferation regime, particularly in light of the temporary seizure of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 2022 and the ongoing illegal occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by the Russian Federation, which continues to pose serious threats to nuclear safety, security and safeguards implementation, as underlined in International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors resolutions GOV/2022/17, GOV/2022/58, GOV/2022/71 and GOV/2024/18, as well as IAEA General Conference resolution GC(67)/RES/16 and United Nations General Assembly resolution 78/316, on safety and security of nuclear facilities of Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and calling for the immediate withdrawal of all unauthorized military and other personnel from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and its return to the full control of the competent Ukrainian authorities in order to ensure its safe and secure operation, 13. Recalling that the Russian Federation is persistently violating the non-proliferation regime and demolishing the nuclear safety of Europe by attacking the nuclear infrastructure of Ukraine and, as a pre-emptive step, using the rhetoric of readiness to use nuclear weapons, 14. Emphasizing the need to develop concrete security guarantees for nonnuclear States and mechanisms to respond to nuclear blackmail or sabotage, including within OSCE frameworks, 15. Recalling that the Russian Federation has committed the crime of aggression numerous times and is occupying parts of the sovereign territory of Georgia and Moldova (Transnistrian region), persistently perpetrating war crimes and other crimes such as illegal elections on all temporarily occupied territories of OSCE participating States, 16. Recognizing the use of hybrid warfare by the Russian Federation, including cyberattacks, energy blackmail, manipulation of religious communities, disinformation campaigns, interference in democratic processes, instrumentalization of migration flows and nuclear intimidation as systemic tools to destabilize OSCE participating States, 17. Expressing deep concern that the Russian Federation is persistently meddling in internal affairs and elections in OSCE participating States by committing cyberattacks and using propaganda tools, 18. Noting with deep concern that the Russian Federation is challenging the sanction regime imposed on different States and using its “shadow fleet” to finance the war of aggression against Ukraine and destabilize security in the OSCE region, 19. Expressing deep concern over the continuous and deliberate suppression of freedom of speech and media freedom by the Russian Federation, including censorship, persecution of independent journalists, destruction of independent media and the spreading of disinformation and propaganda of the war of aggression against Ukraine and hatred, both inside the Russian Federation and in other OSCE participating States, 20. Noting with deep concern that the Russian Federation violates human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, persecuting its own citizens, first of all, the representatives of indigenous people, for political reasons and imposing adherence to the Russian Orthodox Church, 21. Recalling the historical genocides committed by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union against subjugated peoples such as Circassians, Chechens and Crimean Tatars, 22. Noting with deep concern the near-complete destruction of the Kerek people, an indigenous people of the Russian Federation, as a stark example of the destruction of indigenous communities, 23. Stressing the importance of establishing a comprehensive international mechanism to assess and remedy the environmental damage caused by the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including the more than 200 million tons of CO2 emissions, ecocide of rivers and forests, and long¬term contamination of ecosystems, 24. Encouraging the OSCE to support environmental monitoring missions, restoration projects and legal mechanisms for ecological reparations, in close co-ordination with the Ukrainian authorities and international partners, 25. Recognizing that the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine has severely disrupted global food supply chains, particularly through the blockade and repeated targeting of Ukrainian agricultural infrastructure, including grain storage facilities and ports, thereby triggering a food security crisis with far-reaching consequences across the OSCE region and beyond, constituting a direct threat to international peace and security and undermining global efforts to ensure sustainable development and social cohesion, 26. Recognizing the critical role played by the Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine (PSTU) as the Assembly’s principal advisory and co-ordinating entity in relation to its activities supporting Ukraine, and reaffirming the importance of initiatives aimed at achieving a just and lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict, 27. Commending the PSTU for its dedication and efforts in organizing and facilitating a highly successful visit to Ukraine in February 2025, which marked an historic milestone as the first meeting of a multilateral institution held on Ukrainian soil since February 2022, and acknowledging that this visit enabled Bureau and PSTU members to convey the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in accordance with relevant Declarations and the Assembly’s established principles, 28. Stressing that the core elements of the Helsinki Final Act, such as democracy, the rule of law, a willingness to engage in dialogue despite difference in position, a co-operative concept of security that includes the human dimension and the interests of the individual, and a commitment to arms control, transparency and confidence-building, are equally as topical today as they were in 1975, 29. Greatly concerned by the lack of commitment on the part of some OSCE participating States to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the need to enhance co-operation in the human rights dimension of the OSCE, 30. Taking into account the economic and ecological situation in the OSCE region and underlining the need to strengthen co-operation in view of the implementation of international agreements by OSCE participating States in these fields, 31. Deploring the further exacerbating, rampant and widespread breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as the war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Russian Federation’s forces in Ukraine, 32. Taking into account the need to strengthen the nuclear safety and non-proliferation regime and to elaborate security guarantees for non-nuclear States, 33. Emphasizing that the OSCE region needs long-standing peace, security, stability and the development of multilateralism and co-operation, and not endless war with numerous victims, gross and multiple missile and drone attacks, violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes, 34. Emphasizing that many elements of the international rules-based order are under severe pressure, that it is increasingly difficult to arrive at a consensus, and that in these circumstances OSCE participating States should respect the rule of law and not the rule of power, 35. Strongly believing that OSCE participating States should not be satisfied with only reminiscing about past achievements but should revive the Helsinki legacy and tackle the global challenges of the twenty-first century, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 36. Expresses its profound and unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine, conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and declares its full moral, political and legal support for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and the restoration of justice; 37. Calls on OSCE participating States: a. to abide by sovereign equality, the rights inherent in sovereignty, refraining from the threat or use of force, inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity of States, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-intervention in internal affairs, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, equal rights and self-determination of peoples, co-operation between countries and fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law; b. to elaborate new strong wording in support of peace, security and the Helsinki principles, and to collaborate closely on tackling the global challenges of the twenty-first century, including implementation of United Nations reform; c. to elaborate new preventive mechanisms and security guarantees for non-nuclear OSCE participating States, including the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime; d. to support the immediate demilitarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, call for the urgent withdrawal of all unauthorized military and other personnel from the plant and ensure its return to the full control of the competent Ukrainian authorities, in accordance with resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors (GOV/2022/17, GOV/2022/58, GOV/2022/71, GOV/2024/18), the IAEA General Conference (GC(67)/RES/16), and the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/78/316), in order to guarantee nuclear safety, security and safeguards implementation; e. to strengthen collective resilience against food-related hybrid threats and promote accountability for those who deliberately use hunger as a method of warfare; f. to participate in the prevention, detection and reporting of the operation of the Russian Federation’s “shadow fleet” and illegal activities facilitated by such ships for the purposes of circumventing sanctions, evading compliance with safety or environmental regulations, avoiding insurance costs or engaging in other illegal activities (including engaging in ship-to¬ship transfers and/or intentionally taking measures to avoid ship detection such as switching off their automatic identification system or long-range identification and tracking transmissions) and to promote actions by all relevant stakeholders for the prevention and suppression of fraudulent acts which gravely endanger the integrity of international seaborne trade; g. to organize events in their parliaments in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act; h. to contribute to justice, the end of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine and Europe based on respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, taking into account the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” and “nothing about Europe without Europe”; i. to support Ukraine as a victim of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression, the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and all compensation mechanisms, and to transfer the Russian Federation’s frozen assets to Ukraine for the rebuilding of ruined infrastructure and industry; j. to participate in the implementation of projects aimed at ensuring the economic stability and environmental security of Ukraine and countering the environmental consequences of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine; k. to support humanitarian demining efforts in Ukraine and other OSCE participating States, so as to promote civilian safety, safe resumption of agriculture and the restoration of access to education and health care in mine-contaminated areas, and to encourage OSCE engagement in international efforts to provide technical assistance, capacity-building and community-level awareness in demining operations in affected countries; l. to consolidate efforts in the framework of providing aid to Ukraine for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage and for overcoming the consequences of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine; m. to ramp up economic pressure and restrictive measures, especially energy-related measures, until the Russian Federation stops its war of aggression against Ukraine, completely and unconditionally restores its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and fully compensates for the damage caused; 38. Calls on the PSTU to develop and promote actionable initiatives that reinforce Ukraine’s long-term resilience, including fostering innovative policies, supporting institutional reforms and mobilizing international partnerships to enhance security, economic recovery and societal stability, and further calls on the PSTU to continue to proactively assess emerging challenges and propose forward-thinking strategies to safeguard Ukraine’s territorial integrity and prevent future threats to regional stability; 39. Calls on the OSCE Secretary General and Heads of Institutions to exert pressure on the Russian Federation to abide by the Helsinki principles and to ensure the immediate release of all civilians illegally detained by the Russian Federation’s armed forces and/or the Russian Federation’s occupation administrations, including children, citizen journalists and the three illegally detained OSCE staff members, and to return all previously stolen vehicles from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to their legitimate owner – the OSCE; 40. Calls on the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities to take additional measures regarding the observance of the rights of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation, given the blatant cases of violations of the rights of Chechen, Ingush, Circassian and other nationalities living in the Russian Federation; 41. Calls on the Russian Federation: a. to immediately stop its war of aggression against Ukraine, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its armed forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters, and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against Ukraine; b. to reverse its attempted annexation and temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, as well as to cease the use of the “shadow fleet” and to faithfully respect the freedom of navigation in the Azov–Black Sea region, including in the Kerch Strait in accordance with the applicable international law, in particular provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; c. to release immediately and unconditionally all civilians, including journalists, activists, representatives of the local authorities and other persons who were illegally detained by the Russian Federation’s armed forces and/or the Russian Federation’s occupation administrations, including all individuals unjustly imprisoned in the territory of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation; d. to uphold its international and OSCE commitments regarding media freedom and the safety of journalists and cease the spreading of disinformation and propaganda of war and hatred that the Russian Federation uses as an instrument of hybrid warfare against Ukraine; e. to ensure the safe return to Ukraine of all forcibly transferred and/or deported Ukrainian children in order to guarantee prompt implementation of their right to family reunification; f. to ensure the provision of adequate medical assistance to all the political prisoners, civilian hostages and prisoners of war (POWs) in Russian captivity; g. to abide by the Russian Federation’s obligations under international humanitarian law regarding the communication of full lists of all POWs that it detains; h. to provide full and unhindered access to the International Committee of the Red Cross to all Ukrainian civilian hostages and political prisoners that the Russian Federation has unlawfully detained, as well as to POWs; i. to immediately and unconditionally release the three illegally detained OSCE staff members, and return all previously stolen vehicles from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to their legitimate owner – the OSCE; j. to put an end to the extermination of the representatives of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples, and to guarantee them protection of their rights in accordance with international standards; k. to immediately and unconditionally release all national activists and human rights activists, including defenders of colonized indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation; l. to uphold its international and OSCE commitments regarding media freedom and the safety of journalists and cease the spread of disinformation and propaganda of war. RESOLUTION ON STRENGTHENING A POSITIVE AGENDA FOR CO-OPERATION IN THE WESTERN BALKANS 1. Recognizing the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for stability, security and peace in Europe and the OSCE region, 2. Acknowledging the efforts made towards regional co-operation, EU integration and economic progress, while noting persistent challenges, 3. Recognizing the significant historical grievances created by conflicts, territorial disputes and injustices, 4. Underscoring that reconciliation, inclusive regional co-operation and good neighbourly relations are necessary for fostering conditions of trust and common progress, 5. Expressing concern over ongoing political instability and unresolved disputes, which hinder further democratic consolidation and sustainable development, 6. Being confident that diplomacy and dialogue can break the cycle of division and foster the conditions for a shared future built on peace, trust and prosperity, 7. Acknowledging the importance of gender equality, youth empowerment and media freedom as pillars of a resilient democratic society, 8. Noting with concern the efforts of several actors to extend their political influence in the region through, inter alia, economic leverage, media manipulation, disinformation campaigns, election interference and the polarization of the political discourse, 9. Recognizing the significant role of the OSCE field missions across the area, 10. Highlighting the potential of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum on South East Europe as a platform for regional dialogue and co-operation and its contribution to promoting a climate of trust among parliamentarians through a positive agenda, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly; 11. Acknowledges the significance of a collective commitment to reconciliation and to fostering mutual understanding, respect and co-operation, in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act; 12. Underlines the need to ensure judicial independence and combat corruption through legislative reforms and cross-border co-operation; 13. Encourages greater participation of civil society in decision-making processes to strengthen democratic governance; 14. Emphasizes the importance of enhancing parliamentary oversight of governments to ensure transparency and accountability; 15. Highlights the importance of maintaining high ethical standards of conduct, transparency and accountability for members of national parliaments; 16. Underscores the significance of strengthening dialogue between national parliaments to address regional security concerns; 17. Recognizes the European perspective of the Western Balkans as a key driver for democratic reforms, economic growth, youth empowerment and regional stability, and calls for maintaining the momentum of the enlargement process; 18. Welcomes the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which has the potential to double economic growth in the region over the next decade and to accelerate socio-economic convergence within the Western Balkans, and urges the relevant States to implement the necessary reforms; 19. Supports their accession process based on the fulfilment of EU criteria, including the rule of law, respect for human rights and economic convergence, and recommends that the EU and the OSCE increase targeted technical assistance to candidate countries for judicial reform, digital transition and modernization of public administration; 20. Calls for increased engagement from both the EU and candidate countries to ensure a merit-based enlargement process that fosters long-term peace and prosperity in the region; 21. Stresses the necessity of enhancing joint initiatives to combat international terrorism and to address the root causes of violent extremism and radicalization; 22. Calls on Western Balkan countries to enhance co-operation to fight organized crime and human trafficking; 23. Stresses the importance of improving co-operation on border security and migration management; 24. Recognizes the need to support infrastructure projects that enhance regional economic integration and connectivity, and the need to improve interconnectivity, especially in transportation and logistics, in South East Europe countries, in order to facilitate movements of persons and goods; 25. Underlines the necessity of promoting digital transformation and innovation through joint legislative efforts; 26. Highlights the fact that freedom of the media, the safety of journalists and the fight against disinformation are essential pillars of democracy and regional stability; 27. Emphasizes the importance of encouraging sustainable development and green energy policies in alignment with EU and OSCE commitments; 28. Reaffirms the commitment to ensuring the protection of human rights and minority rights, in accordance with OSCE standards and other relevant commitments; 29. Supports efforts to promote education and cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding and social cohesion; 30. Notes the significance of cultural and science diplomacy in strengthening co-operation in the Western Balkans and across the OSCE region; 31. Supports efforts to mitigate the brain drain and the demographic challenges that affect the region and hinder its development prospects, as discussed in the Inter-Parliamentary Forum, as well as national and regional strategies to create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, to address the brain drain and economic migration; 32. Welcomes regional initiatives youth empowerment, including the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, which aims to enhance co-operation and the active participation of young people in the Western Balkans, thereby supporting dialogue towards reconciliation; 33. Stresses the significance of strengthening policies to combat discrimination, hate speech and intolerance; 34. Recognizes the need to support ongoing and new dialogue and confidence-building measures in postconflict areas, and stresses the critical importance of strengthening the active participation of civil society, youth and women in this agenda, also in line with United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security; 35. Highlights the added value of parliamentary diplomacy in efforts to resolve outstanding bilateral issues through peaceful means; 36. Underlines the necessity of promoting truth-seeking and restorative justice mechanisms to ensure lasting peace and reconciliation; 37. Highlights the importance of co-operation on cross-border environmental challenges, including pollution and disaster risk reduction; 38. Encourages the development of joint operations in addressing natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods; 39. Reaffirms the need to align climate policies with international agreements and sustainable development goals; 40. Emphasizes the importance of enhancing regional co-operation in water resource management and biodiversity conservation; 41. Emphasizes the importance of further collaboration in the tourism sector, which has the potential of bringing economic benefits, including through the promotion of the Balkan’s rich and unique cultural heritage; 42. Welcomes the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum on South East Europe, and encourages the OSCE PA to schedule Inter-Parliamentary Forum meetings at regular intervals; 43. Commends the additional financial contribution of Luxembourg to the OSCE PA budget for activities in this region; 44. Calls on delegations that participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Forum on South East Europe, as well as the OSCE Ministerial Council, to promote the implementation of the Forum’s Declarations; 45. Encourages the OSCE to play a greater role in promoting effective and inclusive regional co-operation, the process of normalization of relations and the settlement of bilateral disputes in the Western Balkans; 46. Calls on the OSCE PA Special Representative on South East Europe to intensify efforts for implementing a commonly agreed positive agenda. RESOLUTION ON SECURING THE STABILITY OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY’S FINAN- CIAL SITUATION 1. Concerned that the OSCE and the OSCE PA are being confronted by a multitude of challenges, including ongoing violations of the Helsinki principles and the failure of OSCE participating States to uphold their financial commitments to the Organization, 2. Underscoring the importance of financial and budgetary stability for the proper functioning of the OSCE PA, 3. Noting with concern the Russian Federation’s refusal to meet its obligation to pay its annual contribution to the OSCE PA since 2022, 4. Highlighting Rule 41(5) of the Rules of Procedure, which states that if “a participating State has not made its due contribution for a period of 9 months, Members of its delegation shall not be allowed to vote until the contribution has been received”, 5. Expressing concern over the financial challenges that this presents for the Organization, as well as over how similar challenges could arise and negatively affect the stability of the OSCE PA, 6. Recalling the Resolution on the Modernization of the System of National Contributions to the OSCE Budget from the OSCE PA Helsinki Declaration (2015), in which the Assembly expressed dissatisfaction with the current scales of contributions to the Organization and urged OSCE participating States to enforce a substantial modernization of the system, 7. Highlighting Rule 41(4) of the Rules of Procedure, which states that “national contributions to the Budget of the Assembly shall be apportioned according to the formula used to divide the costs of the intergovernmental OSCE”, 8. Recognizing the continued imbalance between the highest and lowest financial contributors to the OSCE PA budget and the strain posed by persistent non-payments, 9. Underscoring the importance of equitable cost sharing in supporting the long-term sustainability and functioning of the OSCE PA’s core activities, including election observation, field visits and interparliamentary diplomacy, 10. Emphasizing the significance of these challenges, and stressing the need to update the OSCE PA regulations on financial contributions in order to secure the stability and, thereby, function of the OSCE PA as an organization, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 11. Calls on the OSCE PA Standing Committee to adopt an amendment to Rule 41(5) where it is clarified that any OSCE participating State that has not paid its due contribution must complete all omitted payments in order to regain its delegation’s right to vote and participate fully in OSCE PA meetings; 12. Suggests amending Rule 41(4) to allow for appropriate exceptions from the current Scales of Contributions which would mitigate the current imbalance; 13. Proposes that the Rules of Procedure be amended to allow OSCE participating States to contribute above the percentage stipulated in the formula used to divide the costs of the intergovernmental OSCE, particularly to enable national parliaments which currently contribute below 2.5 per cent of the approved OSCE PA budget but which have a GDP per capita above 1 per cent of the OSCE area average to voluntarily increase their contribution to the 2.5 per cent threshold; 14. Requests that the Treasurer initiate the process of reform by sending the proposal to the Sub-Committee on Rules of Procedure, and in the meantime, asks national delegations to voluntarily increase their contribution to the 2.5 per cent threshold. RESOLUTION ON SUPPORTING THE RECOGNITION OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE AS A MEANS OF ENSURING PEACE, REGIONAL STABILITY AND COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNA- TIONAL LAW 1. Recalling the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act, particularly the right of peoples to self-determination, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the obligation to settle international disputes peacefully and to refrain from the threat or use of force, 2. Considering United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 recognizing the status of Palestine as a non-member observer State, and the subsequent resolution of 10 May 2024 declaring Palestine’s eligibility to become a full member of the United Nations, with 143 out of 193 votes in favour, 3. Taking into account the increasing international consensus in favour of recognizing the Palestinian State, which has been formally recognized today by more than 140 sovereign States (including many OSCE participating States), and including the recent declarations of the governments of Ireland, Norway, Spain, Slovenia and Armenia announcing its recognition as contributing to global peace and security, 4. Noting with concern the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with thousands of civilian casualties, the destruction of essential infrastructure and the imposition of severe obstacles to accessing humanitarian assistance, in breach of international humanitarian law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice, 5. Reiterating the fact that non-recognition of the State of Palestine and the persisting status quo are irreparably undermining the “two peoples, two States’” solution, fuelling regional instability and fomenting distrust, radicalization and disillusionment, particularly among the younger generation, 6. Welcoming the parliamentary resolutions tabled, and often already adopted, by several OSCE participating States calling for the recognition of the State of Palestine as an act of political responsibility and legal coherence and as an impetus to relaunching the peace process, 7. Emphasizing the fundamental role that parliamentary assemblies, and particularly the OSCE PA, can play in promoting peace, preventive diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for human rights and international law, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 8. Calls on all OSCE participating States that have not yet done so to consider formally recognizing the State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its shared capital, as a substantive contribution to achieving a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine; 9. Urges OSCE participating States to encourage and support any multilateral initiative under the auspices of the United Nations that may lead to a credible and inclusive negotiation process towards achieving a two-State solution, in full respect for international law and mutual security; 10. Condemns all violations of international humanitarian law, including the illegal settlements, collective punishments, obstruction of humanitarian access and indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population, and reiterates the need for all parties to be held accountable for their actions; 11. Recommends the establishment of a permanent parliamentary mechanism within the OSCE to monitor the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, facilitate interparliamentary dialogue and promote the exchange of good legislative practices for the protection of human rights and conflict prevention; 12. Calls on the OSCE to embark on co-operation projects designed to strengthen the Palestinian institutions, provide civic administrative training, support civil society and promote the rule of law, in conjunction with the relevant international and regional stakeholders; 13. Advocates strengthening the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a vehicle for mutual understanding and mediation capable of surmounting diplomatic stalemates and offering scope to hear the pleas of the communities stricken by the conflict; 14. Urges all OSCE participating States to facilitate the sharing of experiences, expertise, data and multilateral strategies for State-building, post-conflict reconciliation and the promotion of human rights; 15. Calls on the OSCE Secretariat to intensify the monitoring and analysis of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the consequences of the failure to implement the relevant international resolutions, including by means of strategic partnerships and early warning mechanisms; 16. Recognizes that reaching a political solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict based on two sovereign and mutually recognized States is an essential condition for ensuring the stability of the Mediterranean area and the collective security of the entire OSCE region; 17. Pledges to remain vigilant on this issue, support the international rule of law and safeguard human rights and peace-building, and calls on its member parliamentarians to promote national initiatives consistent with this objective. RESOLUTION ON PREVENTING YOUTH RADICALIZATION TO VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM THROUGH EDUCATION, AND MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY 1. Reiterating that terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and unequivocally condemning all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomsoever committed, regardless of their motivation, as criminal and unjustifiable, 2. Condemning, in particular, indiscriminate killing and deliberate targeting of civilians, as well as the persecution of individuals and communities on the basis of their religion, ethnicity, nationality, belief or gender by terrorist groups and violent extremists, while emphasizing that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, 3. Underscoring that incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance poses a serious and growing danger to the enjoyment of human rights, threatens the social and economic development of States, and undermines global stability and security, and reiterating that respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are complementary to and mutually reinforce effective counter-terrorism measures, 4. Alarmed by the rising number of countries that experienced terrorism attacks in 2024, and the growing trend of terrorist attacks being perpetrated by lone actors, who pose significant challenges to national authorities in terms of early detection and prevention efforts, 5. Expressing concern for the growing involvement of young individuals in terrorism-related offences and for the progressive shortening of the time span between initial exposure to extremist material and the planning and carrying out of a terror attack, 6. Extending heartfelt condolences to the families of victims of terrorism, as well as to the governments and communities that have been targeted, 7. Reasserting the determination to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism through increased international co-operation and by endorsing a whole-of-society approach with the active contribution of all relevant international and national actors, as well as local communities, education and religious institutions, civil society, media, the private sector, women, youth, families and cultural leaders, 8. Recognizing the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue as an effective means of fostering peaceful coexistence and reconciliation, countering hate speech and strengthening social cohesion, and underlining the significant responsibility of different religious institutions, in promoting and advancing such dialogue, with the ultimate objective of preventing radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism; 9. Recalling that States bear the primary responsibility for preventing and countering terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, while respecting their obligations under applicable domestic and international law, including but not limited to international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as well as relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, 10. Underscoring the central role of the United Nations in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism, and recalling relevant Security Council resolutions, including Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) on the need to address the underlying factors that contribute to the rise of radicalization to violence and violent extremism, particularly among youth, and Security Council resolution 2354 (2017) offering a Comprehensive International Framework to effectively counter the ways in which terrorist groups and associated individuals encourage, motivate and recruit others to commit terrorist acts, 11. Recalling that counter-narrative measures should be tailored to the specific circumstances of different contexts, and that they should aim not only at rebutting terrorists’ messages but also at amplifying positive narratives, providing credible alternatives and addressing issues of concern to vulnerable audiences who are subject to terrorist narratives, 12. Alarmed by the growing sophistication of violent extremist recruitment tactics – including the exploitation of information disorder (that is misinformation, disinformation and malinformation), the enhancement of disinformation campaigns through deepfake technologies and other content generated by artificial intelligence (AI), and the proliferation of increasingly engaging and visually appealing online violent extremist materials targeting youth, such as high-quality videos, memes and gamified content, 13. Bearing in mind that radicalization to violence increasingly takes place online, including on gaming platforms, encrypted messaging apps and fringe forums, as well as on the dark web, and through echo chambers that are perpetuated by algorithmic reinforcement of increasingly hateful or violent content, 14. Recognizing the need to understand and address psychological factors related to youth and radicalization to violence online, such as identity formation and belonging, emotional drivers, and the need for spaces to express emotions and enter into a dialogue, while underscoring the difficulty of distinguishing typical teenage defiance from early indicators of radicalization to violence, 15. Concerned that social media ranking algorithms, designed to prioritize highly engaging content as a key commercial objective, play a role in amplifying existing biases and progressively expose users, particularly youth, to increasingly harmful content, thereby enhancing their feeling of marginalization and accelerating their radicalization to violence, 16. Deploring how violent extremist groups increasingly target and exploit minors both in recruitment and to commit attacks, also owing to the fact that they may be harder to detect by national authorities and subject to more lenient regulations and penalties, thereby perpetuating extremist ideologies across generations, 0. Convinced that education plays a crucial role in equipping young citizens with knowledge, critical thinking skills and civic responsibility, ultimately fostering a well-informed, engaged, open and democratic society, and, in this connection, underscoring the importance of civic education programmes in schools, as they enable students to recognize their rights and responsibilities as citizens and to actively engage in local communities and democratic processes, 17. Recognizing the growing relevance of media and information literacy, including AI literacy, in increasingly digitalized and polarized societies as a crucial skill for critically understanding, assessing and evaluating both online and offline content, 18. Stressing the role of families, education institutions and local communities in preventing marginalization and disenfranchisement of youth, and reaffirming the importance of both formal and informal channels of education in fostering resilience against violent extremist ideologies, thereby reducing susceptibility to radicalization to violence, 19. Welcoming the contribution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in promoting media and information literacy as a means to prevent online radicalization and violent extremism, and especially its efforts in equipping individuals, particularly youth, with critical thinking skills to assess and counter extremist content, while upholding the principles of freedom of expression and human rights in the digital space, 20. Supporting the role played by the OSCE to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, including through initiatives aimed at addressing radicalization to violence online and promoting education as a means of building societal resilience against radicalization, such as the Information and Media Literacy in Preventing Violent Extremism (INFORMED) project, 21. Building on the OSCE PA resolution on Artificial Intelligence and the Fight Against Terrorism (2024) which urges States to invest in public education and conduct targeted awareness-raising campaigns, especially among youth, to promote information and media literacy and enhance societal resilience against online polarization and radicalization leading terrorism, 22. Welcoming the growing attention placed by the OSCE PA Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism on the phenomenon of youth radicalization, including through a thematic meeting on the role of education and digital literacy in preventing terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism with relevant experts in February 2025, an official field visit to the Unites States of America in May 2025 and a dedicated panel discussion in the framework of the OSCE PA Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Organized Crime in June 2025, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 23. Urges OSCE participating States to strengthen inclusive efforts aimed at preventing youth radicalization to violent extremism and terrorism, and at building resilience against terrorist narratives, incitement to terrorist acts, and recruitment strategies both online and offline, by acknowledging and prioritizing the critical role of education and media and information literacy in the human, social and psychosocial development of children and young individuals; 24. Calls on OSCE participating States to develop and integrate comprehensive civic education and media and information literacy programmes into their educational policies and school curricula, with the aim of fostering critical thinking and digital literacy skills among students at an early age, also taking into account UNESCO’s Global Standards for Media and Information Literacy Curricula Development Guidelines; 25. Urges OSCE participating States to provide teachers and parents with the necessary training, resources and tools aimed at ensuring that adults are well equipped to guide younger generations in critically assessing their role in society and evaluating online information context, while also promoting opportunities for intergenerational learning experiences; 26. Encourages OSCE participating States to embrace a multi-stakeholder approach, emphasizing the importance of co-operation among governments, local communities, civil society, academia and the private sector in detecting and responding to the spread of violent extremist content online, including by developing compelling counter-messaging, implementing targeted communication strategies – such as inoculation methods designed to build resilience against violent extremist ideologies – and promoting comprehensive media and information literacy initiatives; 27. Invites OSCE participating States to carefully monitor and regulate AI-driven tools to prevent their misuse in amplifying extremist ideologies, violent misogyny, misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and harmf