Forum for Security Co-operation

Helsinki 1992

Having decided to establish the Forum for Security and Co-operation, the participating States agreed to start new negotiations on arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs). They also agreed to enhance regular consultation and to intensify co-operation on security issues, working to reduce the risk of conflict.

The Forum was initially made up of two committees. The Special Committee conducted negotiations and considered new measures to enhance stability and security in Europe, while the Consultative Committee directed the tasks of the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC).

In the course of the transformation of the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe into an Organization, the Consultative Committee became part of the Secretariat's Conflict Prevention Centre. The Special Committee then became the Forum for Security Co-operation.

Programme for Immediate Action

The Helsinki Document 1992 also included the Programme for Immediate Action (annexed to Chapter V), which called on the FSC to hold negotiations on:

• arms control, disarmament and confidence-building; 
• a regime for the global exchange of military information; 
• co-operation in non-proliferation, defence conversion, military contacts, regional issues and force planning.

It also tasked the FSC with the further development of CSBMs contained in the Vienna Document 1992.

Budapest 1994

At the Budapest Summit, the participating States called on the FSC to develop a framework for arms control that would serve as a basis for further negotiations on arms control and confidence- and security-building measures. States updated the Vienna Document 1994 and agreed to hold regular exchanges of global military information, principles governing conventional arms transfers and stabilizing measures for localized crisis situations.

The Summit also established the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, which set forth principles guiding the role of armed forces in democratic societies.

Finally, the participating States adopted the Principles Governing Non-proliferation as part of their efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and control the spread of missile technology

Lisbon 1996

At the OSCE Lisbon Summit, the participating States agreed on a framework for arms control, determined to create a web of interlocking and mutually reinforcing obligations and commitments in arms control and the CSBM area. In addition, States adopted a new work programme calling on the FSC to pursue full implementation of existing CSBMs and develop new ones, taking into account specific opportunities for enhanced regional co-operation.