Fifty years ago, a bold and visionary document was signed — the Helsinki Final Act. It enshrined principles that continue to provide a blueprint for the European security order: the sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the right of each state to determine its own security arrangements. These principles represent the opposite of a system based on might is right and so-called “spheres of interest”.
They are not just principles of the past but remain as relevant as ever. Sweden is grateful to Finland for hosting this important commemoration, and for its strong and principled leadership of the OSCE during a year when our commitments, which all participating States have voluntarily signed up to, are under more pressure than at any time since 1975.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which we continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms, is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, The Charter of Paris and subsequent OSCE principles and commitments. Russia alone bears responsibility. We repeat our demand on Russia to immediately stop its war and withdraw all its forces from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine. We also condemn Belarus for assisting Russia in its aggression. Accountability must be ensured. ODIHR’s Ukraine Monitoring Initiative, the Moscow and Vienna mechanism and the OSCE’s open approach to civil society are important contributions to the broader efforts on accountability. We fully support the work of the OSCE’s autonomous institutions.
Ukraine is fighting, not only for its own freedom and independence, but for the security of all our countries. Sweden will continue to provide military and civilian support to Ukraine, and support efforts for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. We repeat the call for a full and unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine has shown readiness for, for several months.
Democratic backsliding and violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in parts of the OSCE are deeply worrisome. In Russia, external aggression and internal repression go hand in hand. The space for political opposition, independent media and civil society has been curtailed. The Belarusian regime continues to repress its people after continued sham elections. All political prisoners must be immediately and unconditionally released.
Sweden appreciates the large and broad participation from civil society organisations. Your contribution to the OSCE’s work is essential. We recognize that some of you work in dangerous and repressive circumstances. As Chair of the OSCE Human Dimension Committee in 2025, Sweden has sought to uphold a central message of the Helsinki legacy: that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are integral to lasting security.
Today, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historic document, let us renew us recommit — not only in words, but through concrete action — to defend and uphold the principles that we affirmed together in 1975.
The principles of Helsinki are under attack — but they remain our compass. We must ensure that the legacy of Helsinki is not one of remembrance alone, but of renewed resolve.
