OSCE Court’s Presidency takes up its function and elects Ambassador Marja Lehto of Finland as Vice-President

The Bureau of the OSCE Court of Conciliation, headed by Andreas Zimmermann, Professor of International and European Law at the University of Potsdam, took up its functions and met virtually on 16 January for its first meeting. 

The Court’s Bureau elected Marja Lehto of Finland as Vice-President, who is currently Senior Expert for Public International Law at the Legal Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland until her forthcoming retirement in February 2026.

The members of the Bureau pledged to fulfil their duties impartially and fairly to the best of their abilities in accordance with the Court’s Rules of Procedure. Following a brief introduction, they shared their thoughts and suggestions on ways to promote the Court’s services. 

Throughout their term, they will collaborate and focus on future strategy, with the aim of making the Court a fully operational institution.

In his opening message, President Zimmermann highlighted that the Court could play a useful role even in a fragmented geopolitical context. As the Court is part of the OSCE framework, it might still be particularly relevant for resolving conflicts between neighbouring OSCE participating States. 

The outgoing President, Emmanuel Decaux, who was in office from 2019 until November 2025 congratulated the newly elected Bureau members and highlighted the importance of fresh perspectives in his farewell speech. He emphasized that the 1992 Stockholm Convention, which established the Court, is still a major asset. 

The Court provides flexible mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States through conciliation and arbitration.

View the full composition of the Bureau here.