Statement by Ambassador H.E. Eglantina Gjermeni, Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna
OSCE Annual Security Review Conference, 17-18 June 2026, Vienna

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Excellencies, dear colleagues,

Albania aligns with EU statement, please allow me to share some remarks at my capacity.

We congratulate the Swiss Chairpersonship for convening the Annual Security Review Conference, the OSCE’s principal mandated forum for enhancing dialogue and taking stock of the security challenges affecting the one billion people living under the OSCE umbrella.

Yet again, this conference takes place against the sombre backdrop of the gravest threat to the European security architecture, namely Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
This tragic war, a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, has shaken the very foundations of OSCE principles and commitments. It continues to have profound repercussions across all three dimensions of the OSCE’s work and has significantly impaired the functioning of our Organization. It has eroded trust and confidence within us and beyond us.

It has emboldened destabilizing forces elsewhere, fuelling instability, exacerbating crises and testing the resilience of our shared security order, imposing a devastating toll on human lives and human dignity.

Albania supports international efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and justice for Russia’s crimes in Ukraine, including those undertaken here in the OSCE. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as its right to choose its own future.

Mr. Chair,

At the same time, other conflicts and crises, alongside a wide range of transnational threats -including terrorism, organized crime, violent extremism, cybercrime, and the security implications of climate change – continue to cause suffering and hardship for many. These challenges also take a heavy toll on human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly affecting women and children.
Organized criminal networks and other transnational threats thrive where impunity prevails and respect for the rule of law is weakened. Recalling the Tirana Ministerial Council Declaration of 2020 on strengthening co-operation in countering transnational organized crime, we call for sustained commitment and collective action.

Recent developments in Afghanistan and the Middle East have once again underscored the importance of strengthening the OSCE’s engagement with its Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

Likewise, the OSCE’s role in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda remains as relevant today as ever. Albania, as a strong advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment both at home and internationally, fully supports continued efforts to advance this important agenda.

Throughout these challenging times, the OSCE executive structures have remained steadfast contributors to our comprehensive concept of security and have continued to make a concrete difference on the ground. It is incumbent upon us to provide them with the means and resources to fulfil their mandates effectively.

Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues,

Albania remains unwavering in its commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Western Balkans, and to continued co-operation with our neighbours as all six countries advance along their common path toward European Union membership.

As we turn the page on half a century since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, let us remember that peace is never self-sustaining. It must be defended through respect for international law, safeguarded by strong institutions, and nurtured through trust and co-operation. Peace requires vigilance, solidarity and accountability.

In closing, we remain convinced that the OSCE, equipped with its unique set of mechanisms and confidence- and security-building measures, remains indispensable in promoting peace, stability and security in a time of profound regional and global turbulence. The path forward must be grounded in the restoration of our shared principles, commitments and trust. Thank you.