About the OSCE and its participating States

With 57 participating States, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organisation and is the primary instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation in Europe, Central Asia and North America.

All 57 participating States enjoy equal status and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically but not legally binding basis. 

The OSCE has a comprehensive and cross-dimensional approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects.

It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence and security-building measures, human rights, persons belonging to national minorities, democratisation, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities.

See the OSCE website for a full breakdown of all the different roles and structures. 

The OSCE has 57 participating States from Europe, Central Asia and North America