During the Thursday opening session, the OSCE PA President George Tsereteli said: “It is no secret that the level of dialogue and trust within the OSCE area is at a historic low point.” He encouraged all participating parliamentarians to take an opportunity to revive the role of the OSCE. In the afternoon, the Assembly continued with two general committee meetings. The Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions held a debate on “Upholding democracy in an age of ‘fake news’” while the Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment focused on “Climate crisis: Developing long-term strategies to tackle climate change and its global consequences.”

On Friday morning, the Committee on Political Affairs and Security debated “Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation: challenges and opportunities for the OSCE area.” In the afternoon, a joint session concluded the Winter Meeting. During the session, chairs of ad hoc committees on migration, terrorism and gender presented reports on the recent developments, challenges and shortcomings in these areas.