OSCE Minsk Group

In 1992, OSCE participating States agreed to convene a conference in Minsk to discuss ways to resolve the conflict over the region that was then referred to as “Nagorno Karabakh”. While this conference did not ultimately take place, it provided the name– the Minsk Process – and a framework for negotiating a settlement. The Minsk Group was created in 1992 to lead this process. From 1997 onwards, the Minsk Group was co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation, and the United States.

The OSCE Ministerial Council adopted a decision on 1 September 2025 closing the Minsk Process and its related structures. Following the adoption of this decision, the OSCE will take steps to implement the closure of the Minsk Process and its related structures. As of 1 September, only administrative tasks, such as handing over goods and equipment, will continue until the structures are closed no later than 1 December 2025.