Permanent Council
Germany and the European Union within the OSCE
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) evolved from the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) which had adopted the Helsinki Final Act at its conclusion in 1975. The official change of name from CSCE to OSCE became effective on 1st January 1995. The 56 participating States of the OSCE comprise all European countries, all countries of the former Soviet Union as well as the United States and Canada. Montenegro has become the 56th participating State on 22 June 2006.
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The 56 participating States of the OSCE
Statements by the EU OSCE participating States in the Permanent Council
Speech by Dr. Guido Westerwelle Federal Minister of the Foreign Ministry of Germany at the Brooking Institute in Washington D.C. on 20. January 2012
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The Euro and the Future of Europe
German Foreign Minister Westerwelle met with the new OSCE Secetary General Zannier
On 28 September, the OSCE’s new Secretary General, Lamberto Zannier, met for the first time with Germany’s Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle. Among the main topics of Zannier’s talks in Berlin’s Foreign Ministry were the preparations for the Vilnius’ Ministerial Council in early December, the OSCE’s efforts for a solution of the so-called protracted regional conflicts in the OSCE area as well as political strategies and structural reforms of the Organization.
Council of Ministers in Vilnius 2011
On December 6 and 7, 2011, the Council of Ministers of the OSCE participation States convened in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania who assumed the 2011 OSCE chairmanship. The council strengthened above all the OSCE capacities in the framework of the so-called conflict cycle. The Human Dimension witnessed a stand-still due to major differences regarding the definition of Safety of Journalists and the unequivocal validity of Media Freedom commitments also in the sphere of digital media.Germany, France, Poland and Russia announced the joint academic project "IDEAS"
German Chairmanship of the OSCE Security Committee in 2010/2011
Germany as Chair of the OSCE Security Committee since the beginning of 2010 is particularly committed to support the further development and consolidation of the various contributions of the OSCE to international endeavours in countering trans-national threats and challenges. more
Security Committee
Freedom of the Internet
Cyberspace is a public good and a public space. Being a public space, states have to take care of the security in cyberspace, particularly regarding security against crime, malicious activities plus the safeguard of users' authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of data and networks.
Cyberspace is global by nature, thus cybersecurity requires global cooperation among nations.
Germany is determined to play an active role in international and regional organizations promoting initiatives that comprehensively enhance cyber security.
Article by German Foreign Minister Westerwelle on Freedom of the Internet
The Moscow Mechanism - an OSCE Tool for Monitoring Human Dimension Commitments of OSCE Participating States
The OSCE disposes of a number of tools in support of the respect of Human Dimension commitments of OSCE Participating States. One of those tools is the so-called Moscow Mechanism.
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Miklós Haraszti received Germany's Order of Merit
On 5 July 2010 the former OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Miklós Haraszti was honoured with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. At a ceremony in his residence Ambassador Heiner Horsten highlighted the outstanding achievements of Mr. Haraszti in his former function (from 2004 until March 2010). As successor of the first OSCE Media Representative, the German MP Freimut Duve, Miklós Haraszti continued to strengthen the role and the impact of this important office.
20th anniversary of "Bonn Document"
Representatives from all 35 participating States of the CSCE met on 19 March 1990 in Bonn to the CSCE Conference on economic co-operation in Europe. At a time when the Iron Courtain was falling participants of the conference discussed topics of economy and trade in Europe. On 11 April 1990 they agreed on a final document, the "Bonn Document".
"The Bonn Document marked a considerable strengthening of the OSCE's mandate in the economic sphere, and continues to be a basis for our work today, for example on issues such as improving investment climate, including support for small and medium sized enterprises."
Goran Svilanovic, Koordinator der Wirtschafts- und Umweltaktivitäten der OSZE
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Other OSCE Participating States
Please visit equally the link to the web site of other Permanent Representations to the OSCE in order to get more information about the activities of other EU member states and the European Union within the OSCE.
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Address of the Permanent Mission
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Fax: (+49 228) 175 51 13
Contact
Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the OSCE
