FBA and OSCE

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

The OSCE emerged from the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and the 1990 Paris Charter, two foundational documents that established a rules-based European security order grounded in respect for human rights, democracy, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

OSCE operates with a broad concept of security encompassing three dimensions: political-military, economic-environmental, and human. Together, these form a normative framework where external aggression, internal repression, and lack of transparency are seen as mutually reinforcing threats.

The organization’s work ranges from arms control, early warning, and mediation to support for free elections, the rule of law, media freedom, and minority protection.

Today, OSCE’s norm-based foundations face major challenges. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and violations of the Helsinki principles have seriously tested the European security order. The consensus principle underlying OSCE decision-making has, in practice, limited the organization’s ability to act effectively.

FBA’s Work with OSCE

The limited operational space of OSCE also affects the conditions for the partnership between OSCE and FBA. At the same time, the current situation highlights the importance of safeguarding OSCE’s core mission. This includes defending norms, ensuring accountability, and contributing to security by promoting the rule of law, democracy, and human rights.

For Sweden and FBA, OSCE is an important security-policy arena for advancing these issues. The organization’s work on free and fair elections, democratic institutions, and human rights strengthens resilience in Europe’s neighbourhood and counters the Russian agenda.

There is strong thematic and geographic alignment between FBA’s mandate and OSCE’s activities. Both aim to strengthen democratic resilience, the rule of law, and inclusive societies. OSCE’s presence in regions such as the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Central Asia also aligns with Sweden’s foreign and security policy priorities.

Given the current security situation, FBA’s cooperation with OSCE is characterized by strategic precision, risk awareness, and a security-enhancing impact. This strengthens Swedish influence in multilateral contexts.

Collaboration with OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and its work on free and fair elections, rule of law, and accountability are central to FBA’s engagement. In addition, FBA contributes through strategic secondments to priority institutions, targeted field support, and analysis that strengthens understanding of OSCE’s role in a changing security landscape.

Personnel Contributions

• OSCE Headquarters, 1 person