Economic and Environmental Implementation Meeting

Vienna, 29 October 2024

EU Closing Statement

Taking stock of the implementation of the OSCE commitments in the field of water management

1. We would like to once again thank the Maltese Chairpersonship and the Office of the Coordinator for Economic and Environmental Activities for organising this valuable meeting today. It provided a timely opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the OSCE commitments in the field of water management. We also would like to reiterate our thanks to Ambassador Raunig and commend the dedication and efforts of the Austrian Chair of the Economic and Environmental Committee in advancing dialogue and cooperation in the Second Dimension in the last four years.
2. We would also like to thank all of the panelists for sharing their experience and best practices. As highlighted by the speakers, advancing work in water management is a key component of the comprehensive approach to security in the OSCE region. In this regard, we welcome further discussion on the critical linkages between water management and security in the OSCE region.
3. Today’s discussions underscored the importance of fostering good governance in water management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and promoting sustainable water resource management, including environmental protection and disaster risk management. In this regard, the EU actively promotes transboundary water cooperation as key for peace and security. Building water resilience is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and combating climate change. We express our support for the valuable work of the OCEEA in this area.
4. We reiterate our support for the OSCE’s efforts to address the devastating impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine’s environment and economy, particularly in strengthening disaster risk management and supporting water resource management. We underline the need to assess the damage and remain committed to addressing it within Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction framework. In this context, we welcome the continuation of the ExB project “Assessment of environmental impacts of the war against Ukraine and options for remediation”.
5. In conclusion, the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to promoting and advancing cooperation on these issues. In this context, the EU underlines the importance of enhancing the voice and full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women and young people in decision making at all levels to improve climate, environment and water policies. The EU also stresses the importance of ensuring inclusive multi-stakeholder participation, including of civil society. We believe that the OSCE has a relevant and valuable role to play in assisting participating States’ efforts to achieve goals in water management and security, and in implementing our common commitments in the economic and environmental dimension.