Council of Europe

The OSCE and the Council of Europe pursue, on an equal footing and according to their own mandates and working methods, a common goal: the promotion of stability and security on the basis of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights in Europe. The two organizations have a well-established and long-standing relationship, based on their shared values. The Council’s legal instruments are complemented by the OSCE’s norm-setting political commitments, as well as its institutions and strong field presence. 

The institutionalized co-operation is based on formal agreements taken by respective participating or member States (OSCE Permanent Council Decisions 637 and 670 from 2004 and 2005). There are four priority areas for co-operation, which include:

• the fight against terrorism;
• combating trafficking in human beings;
• promoting tolerance and non-discrimination; and
• protecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities.

The two organizations also co-operate in the area of: 

• election observation;
• legislation reform;
• Roma and Sinti issues;
• human rights;
• democratization; and
• local government assistance.