Celebrating 50 Years of Cooperation: Germany Highlights the Enduring Legacy of the CSCE
Berlin, Germany – July 22, 2025 – The German Federal Government is today marking a significant milestone in European history, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE), now known as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This anniversary, commemorated under the theme “Gemeinsam für eine europäische Sicherheitsordnung” (Together for a European Security Order), serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of this landmark initiative on fostering peace, stability, and cooperation across the continent.
The CSCE, established through the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, was a groundbreaking effort to bridge the divide between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War. It brought together 35 participating States, including the United States and Canada, to discuss and agree upon fundamental principles governing relations between nations. These principles, encompassing security, economic, scientific, technological, and environmental cooperation, as well as humanitarian issues, laid the foundation for a more predictable and cooperative international order.
The Federal Government’s commemoration underscores the enduring relevance of the CSCE’s legacy in today’s complex global landscape. Even after half a century, the core tenets of the Helsinki Final Act – respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the inviolability of frontiers, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms – remain cornerstones of a stable and secure Europe.
“Fifty years ago, the CSCE marked a pivotal moment in our shared European history,” stated a spokesperson for the Federal Government. “It was a testament to the power of dialogue and diplomacy, even in times of deep division. The principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act provided a framework for building trust and fostering cooperation, ultimately contributing to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the advancement of human dignity across the continent.”
The transition from the CSCE to the OSCE in 1994 further solidified its role as a comprehensive security organization, adapting to the new geopolitical realities following the end of the Cold War. The OSCE, with its unique mandate, continues to play a crucial role in addressing a wide spectrum of security challenges, from arms control and conflict prevention to border management, counter-terrorism, and the promotion of democracy and human rights.
Germany, as a committed member of the OSCE, has consistently advocated for the organization’s principles and actively participated in its various mechanisms and missions. The Federal Government’s emphasis on “Gemeinsam für eine europäische Sicherheitsordnung” highlights the ongoing need for collective action and multilateral engagement to navigate contemporary challenges and build a more secure and prosperous future for all participating States.
The 50th anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on the successes achieved through the CSCE/OSCE framework and to reaffirm the commitment to its continued development. It is a moment to acknowledge the courage and vision of those who initiated this process and to inspire a renewed dedication to the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect that have guided Europe for half a century. As the world continues to evolve, the lessons learned from the CSCE’s pioneering work remain invaluable in shaping a more peaceful and cooperative European security order for generations to come.
Gemeinsam für eine europäische Sicherheitsordnung
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