HELSINGOR, 1 June 2021 – Upon invitation by the Secretary General of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Roberto Montella, the five OSCE Heads of Institution met for a two-day retreat in Helsingor, Denmark, on 31 May and 1 June. Participants included OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci, the Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro, and the High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov, as well as closest senior staff.

The event served as an opportunity to informally discuss the strength of the OSCE, reflected in inclusiveness and its comprehensive approach to security. Moreover, participants reviewed internal co-ordination mechanisms and exchanged views on how the organization can continue to deliver on its comprehensive mandate, particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. They reiterated the importance of strengthening multilateral co-operation.