Foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe met in the German city of Hamburg to discuss security issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

Photo taken on Dec. 8, 2016 shows the opening session of the 23rd annual meeting of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Hamburg, northern Germany. The OSCE Ministerial Council convened Thursday its 23rd annual meeting to discuss security issues including conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

Senior EU officials say a strong OSCE is needed for a secure Europe, adding the OSCE is a platform for dialogue between the east and west.

German Foreign Minister and the 2016 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks during a press conference before the opening session of the 23rd annual meeting of OSCE Ministerial Council in Hamburg, northern Germany, Dec. 8, 2016. The OSCE Ministerial Council convened Thursday its 23rd annual meeting to discuss security issues including conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

"The foundations of the OSCE are now under attack. Its pillars have become fragile, and the tone has hardened, especially between East and West," said Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister.

"I say this in relation to the renewed violence that has taken place in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, which shows the extent to which European peace is still vulnerable, or has once again become vulnerable."

Steinmeier added a ceasefire in Ukraine required political will, noting that all sides must faithfully implement all agreements reached after talks in Minsk in September 2014.

The two-day OSCE Ministerial meeting provides foreign ministers of the 57 participating states with an opportunity to review and assess the organization's activities, and strengthen dialogue on security issues in the OSCE area.