Georgia is seeking to assume the chairmanship of the OSCE, but European Union member states oppose its bid, the publication Rapporteur reports.
According to journalists, the Georgian authorities are stepping up efforts to become the OSCE chair country in 2027.
The outlet cites a statement made on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, who said that “Georgia is interested in chairing the OSCE in 2027 and is ready to cooperate with all participating States of the organization.”
As the article notes, the only official candidate for the upcoming OSCE chairmanship is Cyprus, backed by the majority of EU nations, but its bid is blocked by Turkey.
“This dispute has left the OSCE without a consensus on the future chair, allowing Georgia to position itself as an alternative,” writes Rapporteur.
Asked whether the European Union continues to support Cyprus’s candidacy, EU spokesperson Christian Wigand replied “yes.” He also added that the European Union is not considering alternative candidates.
Diplomatic sources reported that Serbia is also considering entering the contest for the 2027 chairmanship. However, such a potential move by Belgrade would only heighten Brussels’ dilemma—particularly amid strained relations and the controversy surrounding the funeral of war criminal Ratko Mladić.
The next meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council will take place on December 3–4 in Lugano. It is not ruled out that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend in person.
“If Turkey continues to block the candidacy of Cyprus, Georgia could be put forward as a potential alternative at the ministerial meeting in Lugano,” the publication states.
According to the outlet, the Baltic states hold an especially firm stance against Georgia’s potential candidacy.
Russia’s position regarding Georgia’s candidacy remains unknown.
