33rd OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano
The 33rd OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano brings Switzerland's 2026 chairpersonship of the OSCE to its political high point. On 3 and 4 December, representatives of the 57 participating states will discuss matters relating to security in Europe, and how the OSCE can be further strengthened as a platform for dialogue, trust and cooperation.
The 33rd Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will take place in Lugano on 3 and 4 December 2026. Foreign ministers of the 57 participating states, as well as representatives of cooperation partners and other high-level delegates, will meet to discuss questions of security throughout the OSCE.
The Ministerial Council is the highest political decision-making body in the OSCE and one of the principal platforms for discussions about security in Europe. The focus is on reinforcing political dialogue, cooperative security and cooperation between participating states.
Following on from 1996 and 2014, this is now the third time that Switzerland has served as chair and also hosted the Ministerial Council. The conference at the end of the year in Lugano marks the political highlight of Switzerland's 2026 chairpersonship. It offers an opportunity to take stock of the past year and to provide stimulus for the work of the organisation going forward.
The conference programme, including side events, will be published closer to the date of the Ministerial Council.
For interested members of the media, further information on reporting and accreditation opportunities is published on an ongoing basis on the Media Corner page.
The Swiss chairpersonship year 2026
Switzerland's chairpersonship of the OSCE is consistent with its long-term commitment to peace, security and stability in Europe and the world. During its chairpersonship year in 2026, it has shone the spotlight on its guiding themes of dialogue, trust and security. As part of this it has actively supported strengthening the OSCE as a platform for dialogue between its 57 participating states, and the organisation's capacity to act.
The Swiss chairpersonship concentrates on five priorities: the Helsinki Principles for lasting peace, inclusive multilateral diplomacy, anticipating new technologies for a secure and humane future, democracy, and the rule of law and human rights, in addition to a more effective OSCE.
More information on the Swiss chairpersonship of the OSCE: Swiss chairpersonship