Andorra Positions Itself as Global Mediator at OSCE Assembly

Andorra has positioned small states as vital mediators in global conflicts, capable of fostering dialogue among major powers. General Syndic Carles Ensenyat opened the 24th Autumn Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) in Andorra on Tuesday, emphasising the Principality's role as a "bridge for dialogue" based on its eight centuries without war.

Ensenyat described peace as a collective daily effort rooted in mutual respect, calling sustained dialogue a political and moral duty. He highlighted parliamentary diplomacy as a key Andorran strength, noting that "states do not conduct diplomacy with each other; it is the people representing them who do so." Foreign Minister Imma Tor reinforced this after meeting OSCE Secretary General Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu, stating that smaller nations often have fewer vested interests and can help broker compromises. Tor offered Andorra's services to the organisation for building consensus or mediation, adding that the country—lacking an army—can contribute through words and discussion.

OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons praised Andorra's "active neutrality," citing its good relations with all 57 OSCE participating states, including both the United States and Russia. He rejected any normalisation of Russia's aggression in Ukraine and announced plans for a new delegation visit there in coming weeks. Pons said the session would produce a declaration condemning recent escalations, while stressing Russia's formal OSCE membership despite its parliamentarians' current absence from the assembly.

Sinirlioglu noted that country size does not dictate influence within the consensus-based OSCE, where Andorra holds equal voice among the 57 states. He thanked the Principality for its inspiring democratic tradition.

The session, attended by more than 400 representatives from 51 countries, continues through Friday and will cover parliamentary diplomacy, energy security, and artificial intelligence alongside the Ukraine statement.