OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum

OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum

Rome [ENA] The focus of the Second Preparatory Meeting of the 30th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum held on 23 and 24 May in Łódź, Poland was “Promoting security and stability through sustainable economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic “ OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and OSCE Secretary General Schmid addressed the meeting’s opening session. “We are experiencing an extraordinary

period for the OSCE - events that threaten its founding principles. The whole European security architecture is being undermined by Russia’s military aggression against a sovereign state - Ukraine,” Rau said. “In recent months we have seen the destabilizing effect of that war across the world economy and the enhanced risk it brings to the environment. I am convinced that the OSCE provides a unique platform for dialogue to address these pressing challenges.” The meeting in Łódź brought together about 200 participants representing governments, civil society, business community and other international organizations. Strengthening dialogue and exchanging best practices was the aim of the Meeting and participants discussed topics

like environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, energy efficiency as well as renewable energy and digital and technological innovations in support of green recovery and growth. Other key issues raised by speakers and delegations during the meeting were the devastating economic and environmental consequences of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s war in Ukraine risks weakening one of the multilateral spaces for cooperation between Russia and the West, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). It is vital to work to prevent this consequence and preserve the OSCE’s critical role in containing conflicts. In fact, the war in Ukraine unleashed by the Russian invasion has a profound

impact on the security dynamics of the European continent. These are intertwined with the revitalization process of the Atlantic Alliance: one month after the approval of NATO's new Strategic Concept during the Madrid Summit on June 29-30 whose agenda is very rich. From the entry of Finland and Sweden into the Alliance and its repercussions for NATO's internal and external balances, to the recalibration of the pillars of the Alliance in the face of Russian aggression, from the increase in defense spending and coordination between the European states, the transatlantic capacity to face and manage global challenges and threats, European security and defense are at a turning point. “The war in Ukraine, beyond its terrible human toll,

has appalling effects on the environment. This adds to the climate crisis. As we rebuild, we must transition quickly to a more sustainable, affordable and secure energy system,” added Schmid. “We are supporting OSCE states to increase their energy efficiency and diversify their energy sources, including renewable energy and alternative fuels.” The Second Preparatory Meeting of the 30th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum was organized by the 2022 Polish OSCE Chairmanship and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. This will be followed by the Concluding Meeting in Prague 8 and 9 September 2022.