Aerial view of a European cityscape with historic buildings, a tall spire, and a clear blue sky.

Austria

Austria is one of the 35 original signatories of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and an original participant to the 1973 CSCE negotiations. It chaired the Organization in 2017. The country hosts the OSCE Secretariat and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. Austria is represented by a Permanent Representation to the OSCE in Vienna.

Quick facts

Capital

Vienna

Participating since

1973

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Permanent Representation to the OSCE: 
austria.osce-mission@bmeia.gv.at

Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Highlights

The image showcases a modern courtyard enclosed by a glass-fronted building. The perspective is from inside a classical-style room, framed by marble columns and an arched ceiling, looking out through glass doors. The courtyard features a minimalist design with a white gravel surface, a small wooden deck area, and greenery, including bamboo plants. The building’s exterior is made up of large glass panels, creating a sleek and contemporary contrast to the classical interior elements.
Page

Secretariat

Provides operational and administrative support
Logo of the OSCE Representative of Freedom of the Media
Homepage

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

The Representative’s activities can be divided into two groups: observing media developments as part of an early warning function and helping participating States abide by their commitments to freedom of expression and free media. This includes efforts to ensure the safety of journalists; assist with the development of media pluralism; promote decriminalization of defamation; combat hate speech while preserving freedom of expression; provide expert opinions on media regulation and legislation; promote Internet freedom; and assist with the process of switching from analogue to digital broadcasting. The Representative also holds annual regional media conferences, bringing together journalists, representatives of civil society and government, as well as academics, to discuss current media freedom issues.
Our people

Karin Kneissl

2017 OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (from 18 December)
Our people

Sebastian Kurz

2017 OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (until 18 December)

Statements and speeches

From the Permanent Representation of Austria to the OSCE

Access statements and speeches delivered during the Permanent Council and the Forum for Security Co-operation.

Statements and speeches

Elections

Election observation

Visit the election calendar to learn more about ODIHR election activities in Austria. Upcoming election dates are tentative and may be subject to change.

Elections calendar

OSCE Chair

Every year, the political leadership of the OSCE rotates among the Organization's participating States. The country taking over the OSCE Chair co-ordinates activities and provides political direction throughout that year.

2000

Access decisions adopted during the country’s term as OSCE Chair.

Decisions

2017

Access decisions adopted during the country’s term as OSCE Chair.

Decisions

Projects

Supported through voluntary contributions by Austria

Projects

Contact

Permanent Representation of Austria to the OSCE

Permanent Representation of Austria to the OSCE

Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs,Minoritenplatz 8
1014 Vienna
Austria

Email: austria.osce-mission@bmeia.gv.at
Phone: +43 1 501150 4310
Fax: +43 1 501159-236