Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Johan Büser (S)

Mr. Speaker! We are now considering the Committee on Foreign Affairs' report on OSCE, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

During the year, we in the Swedish delegation have continued to be an active voice in the assembly, at a time when OSCE's fundamental values and opportunities to act are being tested like never before. This actually applies to the entire global system, with the institutions that work for the maintenance of and respect for international law. Regarding OSCE, with its unique mandate to build security through cooperation, human rights, and democratic institutions, the needs are greater than ever before during my lifetime. It is more challenged than ever.

Mr. Speaker! I want to start with Ukraine. Russia's horrific war of aggression and attempts at total invasion and takeover of the country have now been ongoing for more than three years.

In February this year, I traveled to Kyiv together with OSCE. It was a journey that left a deep impression. The night we arrived by train, Kyiv was attacked. We sat in a shelter, and we saw buildings that had been bombed to destruction in the central parts of the capital. For the residents of Ukraine, this is everyday life. For us, it was a reminder that this is not a conflict far away. It is here, and it is now. It is in Europe.

We also visited a memorial site outside Kyiv. It was a place dedicated to young soldiers, born in 2003 and killed in 2022. They were only 19 years old. We saw their youthful smiles in the pictures. Their names were carved in stone. It was a powerful and sad moment, which reminded me of what this is about: Ukraine is not just fighting for its territory. They are fighting for their democracy, and they are fighting for the European security order.

We also met the Speaker in Ukraine. We met the Prime Minister, the opposition leader, and several civil society organizations. I was struck by the unity but also by the increasingly clear warning signs. The political cohesion in Ukraine is being challenged. Therefore, Sweden must not only contribute with weapons and aid but also help to strengthen the democratic foundation. It is about free media, it is about independent institutions, and it is about a strong civil society. That is what determines what a country will look like also after the war's end.

Mr. Speaker! Together with ten other members of Parliament from several parties, I was an election observer in Georgia last autumn. It is a country where support for the EU is strong among the population, but where the governing government is moving in the opposite direction.

Foreign agents legislation, attacks on civil society and excessive violence against protesters are just a few incidents to mention, but they are not isolated. It is a pattern. We who were election observers on site saw how power is being exploited to manipulate election processes and silence opposition. It is no longer a democracy in development in Georgia. It is a democracy in sharp retreat. And this is happening at the same time as the Georgian government actively distances itself from the EU and postpones its accession negotiations. It is a dangerous development in our part of the world.

Sweden and the EU must also in Georgia be clear with their support for civil society and for those who are still fighting for democracy, equality, and the rights of minorities. They are there, and they need us. I hope that we in the debate here today can stand united in the condemnation of the very serious developments in Georgia.

Mr. Speaker! We have also seen how the rights of LGBTQI persons are suppressed and rejected in several OSCE countries.

In Hungary, laws have been introduced that prohibit participation in or organizing of pride events. Budapest Pride, which was supposed to celebrate 30 years this summer, has been banned. It is a gross violation of the freedom of assembly and freedom of expression and against people's right to be themselves.

At the same time as this is happening in Hungary, I myself here in Sweden will go to the West Pride parade here in Gothenburg on Saturday. For many of us, participating there is a matter of course. But people are still met with oppression in our country as well and are restricted in being who they are.

We have political forces here in the Swedish Riksdag that have equated pride parades with the legitimization of pedophilia. In municipalities where right-wing forces rule, they want to remove the possibility of flying the rainbow flag on municipal buildings. It is a flag that symbolizes all people's equal value.

Yes, it is important for me to march in the West Pride parade here in Gothenburg, but it is also important to clearly express support for Budapest Pride here in the chamber of the Riksdag and to condemn the ban that the Hungarian government now wants to introduce. Sweden must be a clear voice for the rights of LGBTQI people in the EU, in the OSCE, and globally. We must defend the right to live openly, freely, and equally, regardless of whether it happens in Budapest, Batumi, or Borås.

Mr. Speaker! A particularly worrying example of the regression of democracy and human rights is found in Turkey. During the past year, Turkmen activists have been deported from Turkey, not for crimes but for their opinions. It is part of a larger pattern where Turkey uses the justice system as a tool to silence oppositionists, minority representatives, and journalists.

We recognize this from several years back and not least now in the recent past through the case of the Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, who was arrested and held in prison in connection with his reporting on the situation of the Kurds in the country. His testimony and work have highlighted how Turkey's authoritarian development particularly affects those who report on human rights and vulnerable groups. Being a journalist or activist in Turkey today is for many associated with life-threatening danger.

At the same time, we see how this oppression does not stop at the country's borders. Turkey also exerts pressure in exile environments through threats, surveillance, and international arrest warrants.

This requires a sharp response from the entire democratic community, from Sweden and from OSCE, because it stands in stark contrast to OSCE's principles to imprison journalists and deport political oppositionists.

Mr. Speaker! We also look westward towards the USA, a country that claims to be the world's leading democracy. The USA today is a country in decline, a country where support for Ukraine wavers, conspiracy theories gain ground, and what should be a self-evident fact, accepting correct election results, is no longer the case. It is serious, and it reminds us that democracy can never ever be taken for granted anywhere. What is happening in the USA is a symptom of the global trend that democracy, international law, and respect for others are being threatened. The right-wing populist, authoritarian, and in some places fascistoid winds that we see all around the world are a serious threat to our peace and to our future.

Mr. Speaker! An important part of our work is the election observations. During my time in the Swedish delegation, I have observed in, among others, Serbia, Albania, Kazakhstan, USA, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and many other countries. The work that we carry out together with parliamentarians from different parties from other countries are important contributions to democracy. Our international work is also a way to show solidarity. It is when we listen to people on the ground, to the opposition, to civil society and to marginalized groups, that we understand what is at stake.

I would like to thank our Swedish delegation, our secretariat and our colleagues in the OSCE for an important and meaningful year. The challenges are great, but for that very reason, the work is more important than ever.

Mr. Speaker! There is an expression and a slogan that we Social Democrats often use in our international work: "All peoples' freedom, all the world's peace." I have often thought about it during travels in my missions. I thought about it when I was at the South African orphanage with the orphaned and HIV-infected boy. I thought about it when I traveled in Israel and the occupied West Bank and when I passed the checkpoint there. I thought about it when I sat in the shelter in Kyiv.

We who are parliamentarians, whether it is in Sweden's Riksdag or in the USA's Congress, all have a responsibility to work for a better world, for all people's equal value and for all people's freedom. It is for that freedom that we also work here at home in Sweden's Riksdag.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Björn Söder (SD)

Mr. Speaker! It is, of course, an honor as chairman of the Swedish OSCE delegation to be able to say a few words about the delegation's activities during the past year, a year that has been characterized by continued serious security policy challenges in our immediate vicinity.

Russia's brutal war against Ukraine continues to be the single greatest challenge to Europe's security order and a direct attack against the principles on which OSCE rests. Just this year, as we note that the Helsinki Final Act turns 50 years old, the contrast between our common commitments and Russia's actions becomes painfully clear.

The principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful conflict resolution are fundamental pillars that must not be weakened. The Swedish delegation has been clear throughout the year in defending these values, and I am proud of that. It is crucial that we continue to stand up for Ukraine but also that we defend the international rule of law and the principle that no state shall be able to move borders by force. The Swedish delegation's position is that there can never be any business as usual as long as a member state violates all fundamental norms.

We have also actively contributed to discussions on how the OSCE's parliamentary assembly should adapt its work in a time when certain member states are violating the organization's fundamental norms. This has involved important conversations about credibility and accountability, and about how we can better protect the democratic space within our region.

The delegation's commitment has been appreciated by several partner countries, and we have had a close cooperation with like-minded delegations to keep the issue high on the agenda – not least within the Nordic-Baltic group.

Mr. Speaker! The Swedish delegation has also played an active role when it comes to deepening the cooperation between the Nordic-Baltic delegations and the delegations in Central Asia. During the year, we have taken the initiative for a more structured cooperation with the aim of strengthening the ties and exchange between our regions. It is about dialogue, confidence-building measures and mutual learning. This has yielded positive results and created a good foundation for future cooperation on issues concerning security, democracy and regional development.

We have particularly wanted to highlight the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool in a time of tensions. Through confidence-building measures, exchanges of experience, and joint initiatives, we can contribute to long-term stability and strengthen democratic resilience.

Mr. Speaker! A particularly valuable element during the past year was the field visit to Georgia. There, we were able to form an understanding on-site of the security policy situation, the humanitarian situation, and the long-term consequences of the Russian occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It became an important opportunity to talk both with parliamentary colleagues from the opposition and the government side and with representatives of civil society, as well as to show our support for Georgia's territorial integrity and democratic reform efforts.

We also had the opportunity there to deepen our understanding of the challenges facing countries in transition processes, as the struggle for sovereignty often coincides with the struggle for justice, institutional reform, and a free press.

The Swedish delegation has been clear that this commitment must be long-term and consistent. We see clearly that democracy building does not occur in a vacuum, but it requires support, cooperation, and respect for each country's unique context.

Unfortunately, we see that the political situation in Georgia right now is incredibly polarized and unstable. There are serious democratic challenges, which the election observation later this year could also testify to.

I hope that Georgia continues in the same spirit as the country's Minister for Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili – whom we all know well after all her visits to the Swedish Riksdag – in her vision and determination expressed, and that this will eventually lead to progress in Georgia's integration with the European Union. This, however, remains to be seen.

Mr. Speaker! Election observation is one of OSCE's core tasks and also an important focus for our delegation. During the year, Swedish delegates have participated in observations in Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and the USA. Through this work, we have contributed to monitoring and reporting on how democratic elections are conducted in different parts of the OSCE region. It strengthens transparency and trust in electoral processes while providing us with lessons and insights to take home. We know that free and fair elections are not just a technical issue, but they are a fundamental prerequisite for the credibility and survival of democracy.

It is also in these contexts that the Swedish delegation can often contribute special expertise and credibility. Sweden has a well-reputed democratic system and long experience of international election observation work. This gives weight to our efforts and creates trust in the countries we observe. We are also aware that our role does not end with the observation. It is also about follow-up, support for reforms, and continued commitment to the democratization process.

In conclusion, I would like to extend a warm thank you to all members of the Swedish delegation for a committed and constructive cooperation during the year. We have worked in broad consensus, and that has been a strength. I would like to convey a special thanks to the delegation's secretariat, which, with great professionalism and competence, has been an invaluable support in our work both regarding preparations and implementation. Their efforts make it possible for us to focus on the parliamentary mandate with full commitment.

We now move forward in a continued difficult global situation. Our mission remains: to defend the values and commitments upon which OSCE rests and to do so with clarity, cooperation, and steadfastness. We do this with the knowledge that our work matters for peace, freedom, and security in our entire region, and with the insight that even the work of small delegations can make a difference when it is carried out in harmony with principles, courage, and perseverance.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Johan Büser (S)

Mr. Speaker! I would like to refer to something that was not addressed in Björn Söder's speech. It concerns what I raised in my speech: the significant regression we are seeing for the rights of LGBTQI persons in several of OSCE's member states. A particularly serious example that has been mentioned is Hungary. There, the parliament passed a law this spring that in practice prohibits pride events. Budapest Pride was supposed to celebrate its 30th anniversary but has now, therefore, been prohibited.

This is not just any parade. This was the first pride parade on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain after the fall of the wall. That Hungary is now silencing these voices is a violation of both the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression. It is something that should worry us all, regardless of party affiliation.

We know that Member Söder has previously been critical of pride in various ways, including here at home in a Swedish context. Now, however, we see a regime that uses some of these arguments to restrict fundamental freedoms. It is no longer about what one thinks of pride, for one has the right to have different opinions about that. This is about the fundamental freedom – the right to assemble, to express oneself, and to exist.

My question to Björn Söder is therefore: How does Björn Söder view the ban on Budapest Pride that Hungary is now introducing? And how does Björn Söder see that we can defend the rights of hbtqi persons within the OSCE?

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Björn Söder (SD)

Mr. Speaker! I want to begin by really clarifying that my basic principle is that all people have the right to love whomever they want. Politics should not interfere.

When one then speaks about pride, when one chooses to bring sexuality into the public sphere – regardless of whether it is heterosexuality, homosexuality or some other form of sexuality – there are also other aspects to consider. This is what judicial authorities have to deal with, but the politics should, of course, also be able to have views on this.

I do not want to interfere in individual countries' interpretations or which aspects they take into account, but I can also note that even today there are limitations on freedom of assembly and freedom of demonstration in all different contexts, where one looks at just different aspects.

How the Hungarian legislators have chosen to act regarding this, they must answer for. I cannot answer for that. But I do not believe there is any prohibition in Hungary today against loving the person one wants to. That is important. In other countries, they have stepped in and started banning this – not least in the Middle East, where people are hung from cranes because they have a certain sexuality that is chosen on a voluntary basis and where it does not affect anyone innocent and so on. We should focus our efforts on criticizing those countries primarily, because that is where people are actually dying.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Johan Büser (S)

Mr. Speaker! I want to be very clear that we Social Democrats strongly distance ourselves from the Hungarian legislation to ban Budapest Pride and that we will work strongly within the OSCE to strengthen the rights of LGBTQI persons, also regarding the freedom of assembly.

With that said, I want to move on to another question for Björn Söder. Member Söder mentioned in his speech the developments in Georgia. It is true that we in the OSCE delegation made a trip there. This was good for obtaining a better insight into the developments in Georgia.

What we see in Georgia is not just a temporary political crisis. I would like to say that it is a deliberate, step-by-step dismantling of democracy. The government has, as I said, pushed through a foreign agents law. The government harasses civil society organizations, suppresses protests with violence, and has even threatened to deny healthcare to the aforementioned LGBTQI persons.

This is an authoritarian offensive. I have personally met organizations in Georgia that now fear for their existence. These are the ones who work for women's rights, for press freedom, and for the safety of minorities. It is these forces – not the government – that still hold fast to the values Georgia once committed to when it wanted to approach the EU and approach and strengthen its work with the OSCE's principles.

My question to Björn Söder regarding Georgia is therefore: How does Björn Söder view the Georgian government's actions? It is attacking its own country's civil society. Does Björn Söder think it is acting in accordance with the values that OSCE stands for? And why do we sometimes hear so little from Sverigedemokraterna when we see a European country moving in such an obviously clear authoritarian direction?

(Applause)

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Björn Söder (SD)

Mr. Speaker! I agree with much of what Member Johan Büser presents. Georgia is in a very serious situation now. We see signs that it is really bad in many places.

I do not, however, buy the entire picture being spread by Georgia and the situation there. There are obviously political forces in Georgia that benefit from a certain image being spread. One of the reasons why I once chose the Sweden Democrats and became involved there was that I am not a person who runs for the first ball. I prefer to stop, think, and reflect on what is actually happening.

I do not believe the entire narrative that is being spread about Georgia. For example, I do not believe that one would want to approach Russia. It fails on its own absurdity. It was the current government that introduced the constitution and declared that they wanted to join the EU. We have met their foreign minister many times here in the Swedish Riksdag when she has traveled to lobby for Georgian candidate status. A part of the country's territory has been occupied by Russia.

However, there is an interest from the opposition in spreading that image. I think that this should be kept separate. When it comes to the democratic development, it did however emerge in the election observation that Johan Büser himself participated in that there are serious deficiencies, and one must ensure that they are addressed.

Now we have a supplementary item before the Portomöte in a few weeks. It is about being able, from the OSCE's side, to take measures against countries that clearly violate the democratic system; one should not be able to obtain positions of trust and so on within the OSCE's parliamentary assemblies. It is a supplementary item that I support.

Of course – I think it is good that we continue to pay attention to the situation in Georgia and keep an eye on it. But I do not buy the entire picture of Georgia that is being spread today.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Arin Karapet (M)

Mr. Speaker! It does not matter that the Speaker initially happened to give me the wrong party designation – it is probably the first and last time I will be presented as a member of the Left Party.

Mr. Speaker! I will not prolong the debate too much. The previous two speakers, colleagues of mine in the delegation, have highlighted the important work we have done in the Swedish delegation during the past year. But I want to particularly emphasize the unconditional support for Ukraine. Ukraine is currently fighting for its freedom and its democracy, but also for the international borders we have recognized in the international community to be upheld.

Mr. Speaker! The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, is perhaps a bit subtle for many of our citizens. One probably does not have a firm grasp on what kind of organization it is. But OSCE has a unique role. It is the case that parliamentarians from OSCE's member countries can observe elections in other member countries.

Election observation can seem very tiring. It is early mornings and late nights. But the election observations mean very much for civil society in the countries we travel to.

We can take Moldova as an example. It is a country moving towards the West, towards Europe. It is a country with European values and European culture. Historically, however, for the last 100–200 years, it has been close to Russia and the Soviet Union. Now, Russia is once again claiming that Moldova, like Ukraine, should be its property. But when you travel to Moldova, you see hope, especially when you meet the young generation. It is a generation that is getting an education.

Unfortunately, however, one sees similarities with other Eastern European countries in that the labor force and the middle class that is emerging chooses to move to other parts of Europe – precisely that part of the population that should actually stay and build up their home country. This can be seen from the election result; the Moldovan diaspora was decisive for Maia Sandu to be re-elected as president. In September, Moldova goes to elections again.

It is incredibly important that we from Sweden support Ukraine. The support for Ukraine, which is fighting for its freedom and its democracy, is unconditional until Ukraine again liberates its territory. But it is also incredibly important that we do not forget countries like Moldova and Georgia. Georgia is heading in a completely wrong direction. However, there are still good forces remaining, and they need our absolute support.

Georgia is a bit personal for me. I have my roots in the neighboring country Armenia. Armenia is, as we say in English, landlocked. Georgia is the window for Armenia's participation in Europe and for a membership in the European Union. When Georgia does right, Armenia can do right. But when Georgia does wrong and Armenia does right, Armenia stops.

It is incredibly important for us in the Swedish delegation to court Moldova, which is also landlocked. It is via Romania that they access the Black Sea. Georgia has access to the Black Sea, but Armenia does not have access to the Black Sea.

It is through trade, through cooperation and by letting civil society and democratic forces emerge that we get a safer Europe that holds together. The free world is growing. With economic growth and freedom, we also get peace and stability.

Mr. Speaker! I would like to extend a big thank you from the Moderaterna to both the Sverigedemokraterna and the Socialdemokraterna. We have many differences of opinion here in the chamber. But when we sit at our delegation meetings a property away from here, I would say we are in agreement in 99 percent of the cases. We are going to travel to the continent. Despite the differences of opinion we have here in the chamber, one hardly talks about which party symbol one has. Yes, we go to our group meetings. I go to the EPP's meetings, the Socialdemokraterna go to the socialist group's meetings, and the Sverigedemokraterna go to the ECR's meetings. But we are in agreement. We are one and the same delegation under one and the same flag. We represent Sweden, Swedish interests, and Swedish values, where freedom, democracy, peace, and stability are the core. We do not compromise on our values.

This is noticeable when one says that one is from Sweden. I am often asked: Are you really from Sweden? You could look like a Greek. Therefore, I realized that it is just as well that I put on the Swedish lapel pin, so that they know from the very beginning that I am from the Swedish delegation. One is met with very great respect and humility. But for those who represent countries that do not always share our values, it might feel very uncomfortable to stand or sit next to a Swedish delegate.

Mr. Speaker! I would like to wish you, the chair, and my colleagues a happy summer and extend a big thank you to the secretariat. Our civil servants do a fantastic job. It is not visible outwardly, and it is not visible here in the chamber. But I can probably say on behalf of the entire delegation that it is visible in our operational work. We have civil servants who are irreplaceable, and I hope that their managers hear this.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Jacob Risberg (MP)

Mr. Speaker! The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, has long been a cornerstone of European security cooperation. Through OSCE, we have been able to manage and prevent conflicts, promote democracy, protect human rights, and work for disarmament. But today, OSCE faces major challenges, not least due to the destructive actions of one of its member states, Russia. Russia's horrific war of aggression against Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea, and systematic violations of international law undermine not only European security but also the very foundation of OSCE's work.

OSCE's confidence-building mechanisms, its efforts for conflict management and its shared values have repeatedly been sabotaged by a member state that prefers military power over diplomatic dialogue. We saw this also during Sweden's presidency in the EU, where work was done through OSCE to keep Russia's aggressions in focus and even then it was met with opposition. We see it in how Russia repeatedly blocks decisions that could have strengthened the protection of human rights and civil society's opportunities in the region. We see it in how OSCE's observer missions are hindered and ridiculed by Russian disinformation.

Mr. Speaker! It is evident that the future of the OSCE is at stake. We in Miljöpartiet are convinced that international cooperation and international law are crucial for peace and security. Therefore, Sweden must, together with other like-minded countries, act so that the OSCE can continue to be a relevant and strong actor, despite Russia's sabotage. We must stand up for international law, for the democratic movements in Belarus, and for those who are losing hope in Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The OSCE is needed more than ever.

Mr. Speaker! We shall never let a great power's actions silence us or paralyze our institutions. Our security, our solidarity, and our values must never be compromised away. Russia may try to undermine the importance of the OSCE, but it is our responsibility to renew and defend its role in a time of increasing confrontation.

With that, I move for approval of the committee's proposal for a decision.

(Applause)

The deliberation was hereby concluded.

(Decisions were made under § 16.)

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