Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Established: As the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) on July 3, 1973, by meeting of heads of states and other representatives of 35 nations in Helsinki, Finland; Helsinki Final Act adopted August 1, 1975; Charter of Paris for a New Europe adopted November 21, 1990; current name adopted at Heads of State or Government Summit on December 5–6, 1994, in Budapest, Hungary.

Purpose: “To consolidate respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, to strengthen peace, and to promote unity in Europe.”

Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

Principal Organs: Heads of State or Government Meeting (Summit), Ministerial Council, Senior Council, Permanent Council, Conflict Prevention Center, Forum for Security Cooperation, Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, High Commissioner on National Minorities, Office of the Representative ...