Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in Vienna
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna on 15 January 2026 to officially open Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In his capacity as chairman-in-office, Mr Cassis will present the focus, programme and special representatives of the Swiss chairpersonship. He will also meet with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, among others.
The OSCE remains indispensable due to its concrete impact on the ground, its ability to bring all relevant actors to the table, and its status as the only forum where all European security-related issues can be discussed with the participation of European states, the US, Canada and Russia. By assuming the OSCE chair for the third time after two terms in 1996 and 2014, Switzerland is underscoring its long-term commitment to peace, stability and security in Europe.
Chairman-in-office representatives
Mr Cassis has appointed a number of chairman-in-office representatives to support his efforts in conflict prevention, management and resolution. Mandates are either geographical (Ukraine, Moldova, South Caucasus) or thematic, including combating anti-semitism, racism and other forms of intolerance, preventing human trafficking, and fostering dialogue and engagement with civil society.
Meeting with Austrian foreign minister
Mr Cassis will also hold talks with his Austrian counterpart, Ms Meinl-Reisinger, focusing on European security, the OSCE's role and Swiss chairpersonship, and developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. Mr Cassis will also express thanks for Austria's solidarity following the devastating fire in Crans-Montana.
Links
Swiss permanent mission in Vienna on the OSCE chairpersonship webpage