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Home Who we are Forum for Security Co-operation What we do
Who We Are

What we do

The Forum works to increase military security and stability in Europe and covers some of the most fundamental politico-military agreements of the OSCE participating States. It helps implement landmark confidence and security-building measures to regulate the exchange of military information and mutual verification between states, as well as the Code of Conduct, a key document ensuring the democratic control of security forces. The Forum also develops norms and provides practical assistance to address the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons; deals with non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and oversees the regular contact, co-operation, and sharing of military information among the participating States.
Creating trust through transparency and openness
The OSCE’s approach is that military security and stability can be achieved through greater military transparency and openness, and exchange of military information. This is done through a set of mutually reinforcing and interlocking agreements and related information exchanges. These ensure the verification of compliance with agreed commitments; the notification of military activities; different forms of military co-operation and the regular exchange of military information on defence planning documents; military budgets; and defence policy and doctrines including visits to military facilities, observation visits, and demonstrations of new weapons systems. These measures serve as early warning indicators of potential conflict situations and by helping states to avoid misunderstandings, contribute to stability and security.
Providing a platform for dialogue
The FSC represents a unique platform for mutual dialogue on security issues. Every state can raise security concerns at any time, with the possibility for discussion amongst all 57 members every week. The Forum can provide solutions to these concerns or create measures to mitigate its impact on European security.
Fighting illicit small arms and ammunition
Small arms and light weapons are recognized to cause the majority of deaths in conflicts and non-combat situations. The OSCE area comprises many major producers of such weapons and the Organization takes the issue of illicit arms proliferation very seriously. The participating States have adopted a number of key documents to regulate the production, transfer, storage, collection, and destruction of such weapons, and to control their export. The FSC is instrumental in helping states implement these documents. Upon request, it provides assistance with collection and destruction of small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition, helps improve legislation to effectively control small arms and assists in improving stockpile management. It also promotes information exchange on small arms and light weapons; conventional arms transfers; and anti-personnel landmines.
Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
The OSCE helps implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It runs a project that assists interested participating States in producing national action plans and building up the required legislative basis. The Organization also undertakes awareness-raising activities, provides tailored training, promotes best practices, and intensifies co-operation with other international organizations.
Democratic control of armed and security forces
Recognizing the importance of democratic civilian control of the armed and security forces, the Forum adopted in 1994 a Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security. This unique document represents a landmark in security sector governance, by obliging participating States to provide for democratic oversight of their armed, internal, paramilitary, intelligence and police forces. The Code of Conduct also includes key principles on relations between states. States are obliged to ensure that their armed forces remain politically neutral and to guarantee that the human rights of security personnel are respected. States report back on national practices annually, helping to build confidence and security in the OSCE region.
Connecting the participating States
OSCE participating States require the possibility of instant communication in order to fulfil their legal and political commitments. The OSCE provides a secure and reliable infrastructure through its Communications Network, complementing traditional diplomatic channels.