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The 1980s

The CSCE offered "a source of hope" that the division of Europe could be overcome, said US President Ronald Reagan in a 1985 statement marking the tenth anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. (Ronald Reagan Presidential Library)
The CSCE offered "a source of hope" that the division of Europe could be overcome, said US President Ronald Reagan in a 1985 statement marking the tenth anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. (Ronald Reagan Presidential Library)

The Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) holds a series of gatherings to promote East-West dialogue and co-operation, including two further Follow-up Meetings and the Conference on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures in Stockholm.

As celebrations are held in 1985 to mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, Europe is still divided. The Helsinki process continues, but as the end of the decade approaches, things are about to change fast.

The fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 symbolizes the end of the Cold War - but far from being over, Europe's security problems are only just beginning. The CSCE must reinvent itself if it is to successfully meet the formidable challenges ahead.

Second Follow-up Meeting, Madrid

11 November 1980 to 9 September 1983: The Second Follow-up Meeting is held in Madrid. To help reduce tensions in Europe, it is decided to hold a Conference on Confidence and Security-Building Measures (CSBMs).

Conference on CSBMs and Disarmament

17 January 1984 to 19 September 1986: The Conference on CSBMs and Disarmament in Europe takes place in Stockholm, closing with a package of measures aimed at reducing the risk of armed conflict.

Tenth Anniversary of Helsinki Final Act

30 July to 1 August 1985: To mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, a gathering of Ministers of Foreign Affairs is held in the Finnish capital.

Third Follow-up Meeting, Vienna

4 November 1986 to 19 January 1989: The Third Follow-up Meeting reviews progress on CSBMs and proposes a new round of negotiations, to start in Vienna in parallel with the talks on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.

Start of CSBM and CFE negotiations

9 March 1989: The second stage of the negotiations on CSBMs and the talks on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe begin in Vienna. Meanwhile, the end of the Cold War is not far off.