The upcoming Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial meeting in Malta on December 5-6 is set to be dominated by a controversial figure: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. If Lavrov attends, it will mark his first visit to an EU country since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, raising questions about the implications for European diplomacy amid ongoing tensions.
Despite being sanctioned by the EU, Lavrov’s travel ban can be temporarily lifted for official international meetings. His attendance signals a potential thaw in diplomatic isolation, reinforced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first in over two years.
A Divisive Presence
OSCE insiders suggest Lavrov’s visit aims to address pressing issues, including filling four senior positions left vacant since September, determining future chairmanships, and finalizing the organization’s 2025 budget. However, Lavrov’s presence is expected to spark contention. At last year’s OSCE meeting in North Macedonia, Ukraine and the Baltic states staged a walkout during his speech, and a similar protest could occur in Malta.
Diplomatic responses to Lavrov’s speeches have shifted. While EU representatives previously boycotted his remarks, recent meetings, such as the G20 foreign ministers’ summit, saw officials staying to counter his narratives directly. This shift highlights a growing debate on how to address Russian diplomacy: confrontation or engagement?
Filling Leadership Gaps
A key challenge for the OSCE remains filling leadership roles. Malta, currently holding the chair, has proposed Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani for secretary-general, alongside nominees for other top posts. However, alternative proposals from Greece and Turkey suggest replacing Hasani with Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu and appointing Greek diplomat Maria Telalian to lead the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
Moscow’s opposition to certain candidates, such as Georgia’s Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, reflects broader geopolitical tensions. Russia objects to Tsikhelashvili’s involvement in reintegrating South Ossetia and Abkhazia, territories under Russian occupation.
Broader Implications
The ministerial meeting also highlights unresolved issues within the OSCE. While Finland, a NATO member since 2024, is set to chair in 2025, future leadership remains contested. Central Asian nations or European microstates like San Marino are being considered for 2026, with Turkey expressing interest in hosting a high-level OSCE summit in Istanbul.
Budgetary disputes further complicate matters. The proposed €158 million budget for 2025 includes funding adjustments for inflation and salaries. Russia has resisted allocations for the ODIHR, which it considers politically biased, while Azerbaijan opposes funding the Minsk Group, arguing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved.
A Diplomatic Tightrope
Lavrov’s attendance may offer an opportunity for dialogue, but it also risks reigniting divisions within the OSCE and its member states. With Ukraine slated to speak first at the ministerial session, the stage is set for another contentious confrontation. Lavrov’s ability to sway the narrative will be closely watched, as will the EU’s response to his presence on European soil.
The Malta meeting underscores the delicate balance of diplomacy in a fractured geopolitical environment. Whether Lavrov’s appearance fosters progress or deepens divides will shape the OSCE’s role in addressing regional and global challenges in the coming years.