Published on 18 September 2025

The OSCE in brief

Comprising 57 participating states and covering an area “from Vancouver to Vladivostok”, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world's largest regional security organisation. Its main aim is to overcome differences and build trust between participating states. Switzerland has been a member of the OSCE since its creation in Helsinki in 1975.

Comprising 57 participating states is the world's largest regional security organisation. — © FDFA

The OSCE is based in Vienna and was founded in 1975. It works in the following areas:

• Politico-military dimension
• Economic and environmental dimension
• Human dimension

It is made up of various institutions and has a network of field operations.

Links

• Site du DFAE, OSCE
• OSCE, qui sommes-nous?