Abstract:
In the 50th year of its existence, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is more than ever looking for a new role. The war in Ukraine and other conflicts in the OSCE area show how important the work of civil society organisations is in times of war and crisis - especially in fields where the state's ability to act is limited. In an increasingly fragile international order, the OSCE should refocus on its strengths in regional conflict management and take greater account of the expertise of civil society. Moreover, representatives of civil society should get involved in the structures of the OSCE more systematically than has been the case to date, not only formally but also in practice. The Helsinki Conference on 31 July 2025, which commemorates the adoption of the CSCE Final Act, offers a good starting point.
Subjects:
Helsinki Conference
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
OSCE
Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
CSCE
Helsinki Committee
conflict cycle
delimitation
demarcation
government-organised non-governmental organisations
GONGO
Civic Solidarity Platform
CSP
Forum for Security Co-operation
FSC
Anu Juvonen
Eastern Partnership/Russia Programme