Presentation of the 2027 Unified Budget Proposal: UK statement to the OSCE

Deputy Ambassador James Ford commended Secretary General Sinirlioğlu for presenting the first 2027 Unified Budget Proposal, highlighting the UK’s backing for protecting the OSCE’s operational and outward-facing activities through an inflation-adjusted budget. He noted the 2026 Unified Budget agreement restored financial stability after difficult savings, including staffing and operational cuts, which must now be embedded to ensure sustainable planning. The UK emphasized preserving the capacity of autonomous institutions, field operations, and conflict-prevention capabilities, stressing these are essential to delivering participating States’ shared commitments and regional security. Ford argued against further disproportionate reductions to frontline delivery, warning that inflationary pressures could erode the OSCE’s operational footprint just as the 2026 savings take effect.

The UK supported a stable Secretariat structure during consolidation, asserting that an inflation-adjusted budget would institutionalize 2026 savings while maintaining delivery capacity. Ford stressed that continuity in the Secretariat would allow the OSCE to focus limited resources on implementation rather than internal reorganization, aligning with evidence-based reforms aimed at effectiveness and value for money. He cautioned against a Zero Nominal Growth budget in 2027, suggesting it could shift pressure onto activities that participating States should prioritize, potentially undermining the organization’s priorities. The UK emphasized that resource decisions must follow a coherent strategic direction, with the incoming 2027 Chair-in-Office providing essential political leadership and certainty for planned delivery and reform.

Ford underscored the need for timely consensus on a credible 2026 budget that embeds achieved savings and protects the OSCE’s operational impact, urging all participating States to engage constructively. He highlighted the importance of agreeing a Chair-in-Office for 2027 as a first step in OSCE reform efforts, followed by a package of Chairs for 2028 and 2029 to provide strategic direction. The UK pledged to engage in upcoming budget discussions through the ACMF, advocating for a budget that balances fiscal discipline with the preservation of frontline capabilities. Ford called for full transparency, clear justification, and continued cost-containment efforts, including in staffing-related expenses.

The UK’s position reflects a commitment to balancing financial sustainability with the OSCE’s operational mandate, rejecting measures that could weaken the organization’s ability to deliver on its commitments. Ford’s remarks positioned the 2026 budget as a foundation for stability, with inflation adjustments serving as a safeguard against erosion of the OSCE’s operational footprint. He reiterated the UK’s support for reforms that enhance effectiveness and value for money, provided they are evidence-based and outcome-focused. The statement concluded with a call for participating States to prioritize strategic leadership and timely budget agreement to ensure the OSCE’s continued relevance and impact.