The recent Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meeting, held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), brought into sharp focus the fractures within the international community. Against the backdrop of escalating tensions over the war in Ukraine, Russia’s controversial role, and differing global priorities, the gathering was marked by fiery exchanges, diplomatic snubs, and calls for dialogue amid deep divisions.

So what is the OSCE?

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a regional security organization that serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on a wide range of issues affecting peace, stability, and human rights across Europe, North America, and Asia. Established in 1975 as the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) during the Cold War, it was renamed the OSCE in 1995. The organization includes 57 member states from Europe, Central Asia, and North America, making it the largest regional security organization in the world.

Lavrov’s defiance: Russia’s stance in the spotlight

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, known for his combative style, made headlines with a tirade that criticized the OSCE for what he described as its “complete transformation into a tool of Western dominance.” Lavrov accused certain member states of using the organization to further their geopolitical aims, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine, where Russia continues to face global condemnation for its actions.

Lavrov’s remarks, delivered in an uncompromising tone, reiterated Russia’s claim that the OSCE is no longer a neutral platform for cooperation. His comments underscored Moscow’s growing isolation, as well as its determination to resist what it perceives as a coordinated Western effort to marginalize it on the global stage.

Host Ian Borg: walking a diplomatic tightrope

Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg, presiding over the meeting as the host, was tasked with navigating a highly polarized environment. In his opening remarks, Borg emphasized the importance of the OSCE as a forum for dialogue and cooperation, even amid stark disagreements.

Borg’s balanced approach reflected Malta’s tradition of neutrality and its emphasis on multilateralism. “This is a moment for dialogue, not division,” he said, urging member states to focus on common security challenges, including climate change, migration, and human rights, rather than deepening the rift over Ukraine.

Borg’s ability to hold the meeting together amid heated rhetoric and boycotts was seen as a testament to Malta’s diplomatic acumen. Yet, the cracks within the OSCE were difficult to ignore, as key members clashed on foundational issues.

Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel: a call to listen

Outside the MFCC premises, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel provided a candid perspective in a brief interview with reporters. “It’s important to listen,” Bettel said, reflecting a belief that diplomacy—even in its most strained form—must remain a channel for resolving disputes.

Bettel’s remarks stood in stark contrast to the increasingly hardened positions of several delegations. His call for open communication highlighted the OSCE’s core mission: fostering dialogue to ensure peace and security. Yet, in an atmosphere fraught with tension, Bettel’s words felt more aspirational than reflective of the meeting’s tone.

Diplomatic drama: Lithuania’s downsized contingent and Zakharova’s visa revocation

The OSCE meeting wasn’t without its share of diplomatic controversy. Lithuania, a vocal critic of Russia, deliberately downsized its delegation, signaling dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of Russia’s presence. The move was seen as a symbolic protest against the continued inclusion of Russia in key discussions, despite its actions in Ukraine.

Adding to the tension was the decision to revoke the travel visa of Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson. Zakharova, known for her inflammatory rhetoric, had been scheduled to attend the meeting but faced opposition from several member states, particularly within the European Union. The revocation highlighted the challenges of balancing inclusivity with accountability, as some countries pushed to limit Russia’s ability to influence proceedings.

These incidents underscored the growing difficulty of maintaining the OSCE as a platform for inclusive dialogue. For some member states, Russia’s continued participation is an affront to the organization’s principles. For others, excluding Russia would undermine the very essence of multilateral diplomacy.

The fractured state of the OSCE

The OSCE, established during the Cold War to foster dialogue between East and West, finds itself at a crossroads. The organization’s consensus-based model has been strained by the war in Ukraine, with member states increasingly divided on how to engage with Russia.

While some, like Luxembourg’s Bettel, argue for continued dialogue, others, including Lithuania, advocate for a more confrontational stance. The tension between these approaches was palpable throughout the Malta meeting, reflecting broader divisions within the international community.

Even within the OSCE, there is little agreement on how to address key issues. Efforts to focus on shared challenges, such as climate change and migration, were overshadowed by disputes over Ukraine. For many, the meeting underscored the difficulty of maintaining a forum for dialogue when trust among members has eroded so profoundly.

A glimpse of hope?

Despite the tension, some moments suggested the potential for progress. Ian Borg’s leadership as host demonstrated the value of small states in fostering dialogue, while Xavier Bettel’s call to listen served as a reminder of the OSCE’s foundational principles.

Yet, with Russia and the West entrenched in their positions, the path forward remains unclear. For the OSCE to remain relevant, it will need to navigate these divisions carefully, balancing inclusivity with accountability and fostering dialogue even in the face of deep disagreements.

A test for multilateralism

The OSCE meeting in Malta was a microcosm of the broader challenges facing global diplomacy today. Lavrov’s defiant rhetoric, the symbolic gestures from Lithuania, and the visa controversy surrounding Zakharova highlighted the fractures within the organization.

Yet, amid the tension, there were calls for dialogue and cooperation, from Ian Borg’s measured tone as host to Xavier Bettel’s insistence on listening. These voices reflect the enduring hope that the OSCE can still serve as a platform for resolving disputes, even in the most challenging circumstances.

As the OSCE grapples with its role in a divided world, the Malta meeting serves as a reminder of both the difficulties and the necessity of multilateral diplomacy. Whether the organization can rise to the challenge remains an open question, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.