Fact Sheet about The Organization for Security and Co-operation in
Europe
The Organization for Security and Co-operation ( OSCE) in Europe was
created in the early 1970's under the name of Conference of Security
and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) as a multilateral forum for dialogue
and negotiation between East and West. The history of the CSCE is
twofold. From 1975 to 1990, the CSCE, as its name implied, worked as
one continuous conference. The Paris Summit Meeting in 1990 marked the
beginning of institutionalisation, reflecting the changes in Europe
and the new challenges for the post-Cold War period, The developments
in the security situation in Europe in the 1990's have led to a
fundamental change in the CSCE and to a dramatic strengthening of its
role. Reflecting this change, the 1994 Budapest Summit, recognising
the CSCE was no longer a conference, changed its name to OSCE. Today,
the CSCE comprises 53 Participating States from the region stretching
from Vladivostok to Vancouver, including the United States, Canada and
all the countries of Europe and the former Soviet Union (the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has observer status, Yugoslavia is
suspended). All member States have equal status and are represented on
the basis of common interest, common rules and norms.
Historical Development
The origin of the OSCE can be traced to the early 1950's, with a
proposal from the Soviet Union to create an all-European security
conference. Finland offered Helsinki as a venue for the conference
in 1969, inviting all European countries, the United States and
Canada. In 1972, the 35 States agreed to enter into multilateral
consultations concerned with preparations for the conference, and
the stage was set for the preparatory talks in Helsinki with the
original 33 nations. In 1973, the consultations concluded with the
'Blue Book" which outlined final recommendations for the scope and
rules of procedure for the Conference.
On 1 August 1975 in Helsinki, heads of the 35 participating States
signed the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and
Cooperation in Europe also known as the Helsinki Accords. The act
established basic principles, known as "the Helsinki Decalogue," for
behaviour among the participating States and of governments toward
their citizens, The Helsinki Final Act laid the basis for further
development of the CSCE Process. The document is not a treaty, but a
politically binding agreement. It is divided into three main
categories, or "baskets" concerning:
1) Questions relating to Security in Europe;
2) Co-operation in the Field of Economics, Science and Technology.
and the Environment;
3) Co-operation in Humanitarian and other Fields
Furthermore, it called for regular follow-up meetings to review the
implementation of CSCE agreements, to set new standards and norms, to
expand co-operation and to maintain political dialogue. In the 1970s
and 1980s, such meetings were held in Belgrade, Madrid and Vienna. At
these meetings. the Heads of States and Government of all CSCE
Participating States agreed upon important commitments aimed at
upholding human rights, and measures to build confidence among the
participants through the advance notification of military activities
and the exchange of military information. In addition, a number of
expert meetings were held on such specific topics as democratic
institutions. human rights. human contacts, peaceful settlement of
disputes, environment, media, science, culture and economic
cooperation.
The Charter of Paris of November 1990 marked the turning point in the
history of the CSCE in the post - Cold War era, serving as a
transition for the CSCE from its role as a forum for negotiation and
dialogue to an active operational structure. At the first summit
meeting since Helsinki, the Heads of State or Government adopted the
"Charter of Paris for a New Europe" aimed at defining the CSCE's
identity in a new international environment. New "Guidelines for the
Future" were created together with standing institutions like the
Conflict Prevention Centre in Vienna, the Office for Free Elections in
Warsaw and the Secretariat in Prague. The Charter also established
three main political, consultative bodies: The Council of Ministers
consisting of foreign ministers from the participating States; a
Committee of Senior Officials to assist the Council and manage
day-to-day business; and regular summit meetings of heads of State or
Government. Meanwhile, newly independent states from Central and
Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union applied for membership. and
the number of CSCE participating States expanded to 53.
During the same period, an important arms control agreement, the
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) was negotiated in
the framework of the CSCE process and signed in November 1990. The
CFE limits non-nuclear ground and air forces from the Atlantic to the
Ural Mountains. A follow-up agreement to CFE sets limits on personnel
strength in the same region. Also in 1992, the CSCE adopted a
comprehensive document on Confidence- and Security Building Measures
as well as a declaration on the Open Skies Treaty. In September,
1992, a new body, the Forum for Security Co-operation was formed in
Vienna to negotiate and consult on concrete measures aimed at
strengthening security and stability throughout Europe.
Further impetus and possibilities for concerted action in the CSCE
framework were outlined in the new Helsinki Document of July 1992. It
established a number of practical tools to strengthen CSCE's
contribution to the protection of human rights and manage the
unprecedented change underway in Europe. In particular, it called for
an ambitious role for the CSCE in early warning, conflict prevention
and crisis management, The newly created High Commissioner on National
Minorities was tasked to respond, at the earliest possible stage, to
ethnic tensions that have the potential to develop into a conflict
within the region. In December, 1992, the OSCE Council established a
new post of Secretary General and in 1993, a strengthened Secretariat
in Vienna.
In December, 1993, a new body, the Permanent Committee (now the
"Permanent Council"), was established in Vienna, significantly
expanding the possibilities for political consultation. dialogue arid
decision-making on a weekly basis.
The new operational profile of the CSCE expanded with the dispatch of
several conflict prevention and crisis management Missions in areas of
potential or actual conflict- Since February, 1993, the CSCE has also
been co-ordinating the enforcement of sanctions imposed on
Serbia/Montenegro with Sanctions Assistance Missions
Determined to give the CSCE new political impetus at the 1994 Budapest
Summit, 52 Heads of State and Government from CSCE participating
States renamed CSCE the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE). the Budapest document established the OSCE as the
primary instrument for early warning, conflict management and crisis
management in the OSCE region. The document authorised the OSCE to
send a peacekeeping mission to Nagomo-Karabakh. The document also
called for the strengthening of the Chairman-in-Office as well as the
secretary general and the secretariat, the High Commissioner of
National Minorities and the Office for Democratic Institutions and
Human Rights. A "Code of Conduct on PoliticoMilitary Aspects of
Security" was adopted setting forth principles guiding the role of
armed forces in democratic societies. The document also called for a
discussion within the OSCE on a model of common and comprehensive
security based on CSCE principles and commitments. The results will be
submitted to the next Summit meeting in Lisbon in 1996.
OSCE Structures and Institutions
Summits
Summits of Heads of State or Government of OSCE member States set
priorities and provide orientation at the highest political level.
The last meeting took place in Budapest on 5 - 6 December l994. The
next summit, planned for 1996 in Lisbon, will decide on the frequency-
of future meetings.
Ministerial Council
The Ministerial Council (formerly the CSCE Council), whose members are
the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE member States, is the central
decision-making and governing body of' the OSCE. It considers issues
relevant to the OSCE and takes appropriate decisions. The Ministerial
Council meets at least once a year towards the end of every term of
chairmanship.
Senior Council
The Senior Council (replacing the Committee of Senior Officials), is
responsible for overview, management and co-ordination of OSCE
activities. It discusses and sets forth policy and broad budgetary
guidelines. The OSCE member States are encouraged to be represented by
at the level of political directors from capitals or at a
corresponding level. The Senior Council meets at least twice a year in
Prague and once a yen as the Economic Forum.
The Permanent Council
Based in Vienna, the Permanent Council (formerly Permanent Committee)
is responsible for the day-to-day operational tasks of the OSCE under
a representative of the CIO. Its members, permanent representatives of
the OSCE member States, meet weekly in the "Hofburg" Conference
Centre. The Permanent Council is the regular body for political
consultation and decision-making and takes decisions on all issues
pertinent to the OSCE. It can also be convened for emergency purposes.
The Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC)
The FSC, consisting of representatives of the delegations of the OSCE
participating states, is an integral part of the OSCE. It meets weekly
in the Vienna "Hofburg" and negotiates and consults on concrete
measures aimed at strengthening security and stability throughout
Europe. Its main objectives are a) negotiations on arms control,
disarmament and confidence- and security-building; b) regular
consultations and intensive co-operation on matters related to
security; c) the hither reduction of the risks of conflicts. It is
also responsible for the implementation of Confidence- and
Security-Building Measures (CSBMs) the preparation of seminars on
military doctrine, the hold of annual implementation assessment
meetings, and for the provision of a forum for discussion and
clarification of information exchanged under agreed CSBMs.
Chairman-in-Office (ClO)
The ClO is vested with overall responsibility for executive action.
He/She is the Foreign Minister of the State which at last arranged the
Ministerial Council Session. The term of chairmanship normally lasts
one calendar year. On 5 December 1994, Hungarian Foreign Minister,
Laslo Kovacs became Chairman-in-Office. The ClO may be assisted by:
. the Troika. consisting of the preceding, the present and the
succeeding Chairmen (currently Italy, Hungary and Switzerland);
. Ad-Hoc-Steering Groups, which may be established on a case-bycase basis in order to hither assist the ClO, in particular in
the field of conflict prevention and crisis management;
. Personal Representatives, designated by the ClO with a clear and
precise mandate in order to assist the CIO in dealing with a
crisis or a conflict.
The Secretary General
The Secretary General is appointed by the Ministerial Council for a
period of three years. Based in Vienna, he acts as the representative
of the Chairman-in-Office and supports the CIG in all activities aimed
at fulfilling the goals of the OSCE. The Secretary General's tasks
also includes the management of OSCE structures and operations. He is
the OSCE's Chief Administrative Officer. He works closely with the ClO
in the preparation and guidance of OSCE meetings and ensures the
implementation of OSCE decisions. Dr. Wilhelm Hoynck was appointed the
OSCE's first Secretary General in June 1993.
High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM)
The OSCE created the job of HCNM to respond, at the earliest possible
stage, to ethnic tensions that have the potential to develop into a
conflict within the OSCE region. The HCNM functions as an instrument
to identify -- and promote the early resolution of -- ethnic tensions
that might endanger peace, stability, or relations between OSCE
Participating States. Former Netherlands Foreign Minister Max van der
Stoel was appointed the first High Commissioner in December 1992. The
HCNM office is based in the Hague.
The Secretariat
The Secretariat, under the Secretary General's direction, operates
mainly in Vienna and consists of four departments:
a) Department for ClO Support, which is responsible for preparation
of meetings, contacts with international organizations, press
relations and public information.
b) Conflict Prevention Centre, which is responsible for overall
support of OSCE tasks in the fields of early warning, conflict
prevention and crisis management; operational support of OSCE
Missions. It also runs the OSCE data base and communications
network.
c) Department of Conference Services, which is responsible for
conference services, interpretation services, documentation and
protocol.
d) Department for Administration and Budget is responsible for
administrative services, personnel policies and financial control.
The office in Prague, which belongs to the Secretariat in Vienna,
services the CSO meetings, maintains OSCE archives and distributes
documents.
The permanent staff of the OSCE Secretariat totals about 65 employees.
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Based in Warsaw, the ODIHR, the former Office for Free Elections, is
the OSCE institution responsible for furthering human rights,
democracy and the rule of law. It provides the forum for meetings and
expert seminars to address the implementation of human dimension
commitments. It serves as the institutional framework for sharing and
exchanging information on the building of democratic institutions and
the holding of elections within Participating states. It co-ordinates
the monitoring of elections, provides expertise and training on
constitutional and legal matters. The ODIHR is headed by Ambassador
Audrey Glover.
OSCE Missions
There are currently eight Missions of the OSCE working in Latvia,
Estonia, Tajikistan. Moldova, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
Georgia, most recently, in Ukraine and Sarajevo. OSCE Missions serve
as instruments of conflict prevention and crisis management. Their
mandate generally calls for the establishment of good contacts to
local representatives and the further strengthening of initiated
dialogue between the parties concerned. The mandates for the
respective mission are adjusted to the specific situation in the
region where the mission is deployed.
Sanctions Assistance Missions
The OSCE mandated the creation of Sanctions Assistance Missions in
February 1993. Their functions include the oversight of the
implementation operation of the sanctions imposed on Serbia/Montenegro
and of the arms embargo against all Republics of former Yugoslavia.
The Missions are deployed in all countries bordering the FRY: Albania,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, FYROM, Romania, and Ukraine. The
Sanctions Assistance Missions co-operate within the Sanctions Liaison
Group (SLG), chaired by the EU/OSCE Co-ordinator. Ambassador Antonio
Napolitano.
Other Bodies
The Parliamentary Assembly (PA)
In April 1991, parliamentarians from the OSCE participating States
agreed to the creation of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The PA
meets once a year and is supported by a Secretariat in Copenhagen.
The ClO stands in regular contact with the PA and informs on the work
of the OSCE. Mr. Frank Swaelen is President.
Court of Conciliation and Arbitration
The Court was established by the Convention on Conciliation and
Arbitration within the OSCE, which was put into force in December 1994
after the deposit of the twelfth instrument of ratification or
accession. It aims at settling disputes which are submitted to it by
the OSCE States which signed the convention though means of
conciliation and, when appropriate, arbitration. The Court will be
based in Geneva.
OSCE Funding
All activities of the institutions, negotiations, ad hoc meetings and
missions are financed by contributions made by the member States, with
the exception of the salaries of the seconded personnel which remain
the responsibility of the seconding national administrations.