Pere Joan Pons addresses the Permanent Council in Vienna, 11 Sept. 2025VIENNA, 11 September 2025 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons (Spain) delivered a hopeful, forward-looking message to the Permanent Representatives of OSCE countries in Vienna today, stressing that in these challenging times principled dialogue and unity are essential. In his first address to the Permanent Council since his election in Porto in July, President Pons expressed support for the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship in addressing various issues on the OSCE agenda, stressing that despite the many challenges facing the OSCE region, there continue to be signs of optimism.

Democratic resilience, he said, remains strong, noting that more than half the world voted in elections last year. He also stressed that in this 50th anniversary year of the OSCE, the Organization still very much has an important role to play. “Our citizens look to us for solutions — for dialogue, progress, peace, and security,” he said. The President noted in particular the role of the Parliamentary Assembly within a unified organization.

“If dialogue is a prerequisite for security and our commitments and principles are our end goal, then we, legislators, are more needed than ever in these difficult times,” Pons pointed out. “Because without dialogue with all, there can be no security for all.”

“Our Assembly — composed of 323 members representing over one billion people from 57 participating States — carries a profound responsibility,” he added. “As parliamentarians, we must work in the interest of our regions, but always under the umbrella of universal values — dialogue, human rights, and peace — which we must uphold, without double standards, from Vancouver to Vladivostok.”

Pons emphasized that this is why he works to preserve the same values in Ukraine and in Gaza, in Georgia or in South East Europe.

Pons also stressed that the OSCE cannot fulfill its mandate and meet expectations without the necessary financial, human, and political resources and assured the Permanent Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly’s full support in advancing comprehensive security across all dimensions.

He further emphasized the need for gender equality with real action, stressing the need to lead by example with more women in leadership and true inclusivity.

“More women in leadership — and true gender parity in OSCE national parliaments — is one of the most revolutionary steps we must take,” the President said. “Since taking office, most of my new appointments have been women. But gender leadership must extend to our organizations, parliaments, and governments. Gender parity is not a slogan, it is a peace strategy.”

Continuing to stand with Ukraine is also paramount, he said, stressing that Kyiv must be part of any future peace deal. “We want peace in Ukraine. And for any solution, Ukraine has to be part of the negotiations, of any kind,” Pons said.

He also highlighted the plight of civilians in Gaza, condemning both the atrocities committed on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent loss of civilian lives. “Today I reaffirm the OSCE PA’s grave concern over possible war crimes and other grave violations of international humanitarian law in the hostilities in Gaza,” Pons said.

At the same time, he noted that progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan recalls that peace is possible. “I welcome diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” Pons said. “Peace brings progress, brings prosperity, brings happiness.” He also stressed his support for Georgia’s European path, calling for an end to violations of freedom of speech and association.

In the economic and environmental dimension, he stressed that a fair green transition is essential.

Several delegations of OSCE participating States took the floor to congratulate President Pons upon his election and to respond to his remarks, expressing appreciation for the Parliamentary Assembly’s support and contribution to comprehensive security in the OSCE area. The PA’s continued focus on Ukraine, in particular through the work of its Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine (PSTU), was particularly welcomed by several respondents, including Kyiv’s representative.

President Pere Joan Pons and Charge d’Affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland, Dr. Mari Neuvonen, Vienna, 11 Sept. 2025During his stay in Vienna, together with the Secretary General Roberto Montella, the President has held a number of bilateral meetings, including with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu and several OSCE Permanent Representatives, underlining the PA’s readiness to engage with and support the governmental side of the OSCE. It is important, he said, to act as “one team OSCE” and preserve the functionality and effectiveness of the Organization.

He also shared the work of the Parliamentary Assembly, in particular the outcomes of the Annual Session held in Porto in July and the incoming Autumn Meeting in Istanbul in November, including on various activities of the parliamentarians. He focused on the election observation missions (Moldova) this autumn and his planned visits (Kyiv, Sarajevo) before the end of the year.

Photos of the President's Vienna visit are available on Flickr.

For his full speech in PDF format, please click here.

Video of the speech is available here.