Forum for Security Co-operation

The first confidence-building measures outlined in the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 had a profound impact on the course of European history, helping to reduce the dangers of armed conflict. In further developing confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs), the emphasis has been on increasing predictability through greater openness and transparency.

Negotiations on CSBMs, resulting in the adoption of the Stockholm Document in 1986, paved the way towards enhanced political dialogue. The commitments agreed to in Stockholm were eventually adopted in the Vienna Document 1990. Later amendments were further approved at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul to create the Vienna Document 1999.

The existing OSCE acquis, such as the Vienna Document 1999, Information Exchange on Conventional Arms Transfer and the Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons now constitute an interlocking regime of obligatory and verifiable information exchanges and notifications on military holdings and activities, and armed force levels. The CSBM regime contributes to greater transparency, and thus promotes trust and confidence among participating States.