The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a multinational organization that operates as an assembly for political and diplomatic talks. Its mission is to "secure stability in the region based on democratic practices and improved governance". In the news, the OSCE is often mentioned in connection with their role as electoral observers - for example in Montenegro in 2008.
The proto-OSCE - called Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) - was created mediate between Europe and the Soviet Union in the cold war - to "serve as a multilateral forum for dialogue and negotiation between East and West." Western European countries wanted to reduce tensions, encourage economic collaboration and improvements in human rights for the people of the communist countries. Mandate and role
- Works under the UN Charter
- Specializes in crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation and conflict prevention
Membership
- 56 participating states are from Europe, Asia and North America
- Partners for Co-operation are from the Mediterranean and Asia
Fast Facts
- 1973: Established as CSCE:
- 1994: Renamed OSCE
- Secretariat: Vienna, Austria
- Members: 56 participating states
- Partners for co-operation: 11
- Decisions are by consensus, but not legally binding
- The OSCE's Secretariat is in Vienna, Austria
- Satellite offices: Warsaw, Copenhagen, Prague, Geneva, and The Hague
- OSCE Chairmanship is held by a different country yearly.
- Secretary General: M. P. de Brichambaut
- Chairman-in-Office: Ilkka Kanerva
- Politico-Military Dimension: arms control, terrorism, border management, policing
- Economic and Environmental Dimension: economic, environmental activities
- Human Dimension: anti-trafficking, elections, media freedom, human rights
