OSCE’s preventative measures against COVID-19

The OSCE, together with other international organizations, continues to undertake preventative measures against the COVID-19 outbreak, in line with guidance from the authorities of host countries.

The OSCE welcomes the efforts of the World Health Organization to raise awareness and provide guidance to national authorities and individuals.

The OSCE’s Executive Structures, including its Field Operations, have contingency plans in place, and are implementing preventative measures as appropriate. They continue to monitor the situation regarding the virus outbreak and remain in close contact with host government authorities.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, in consultation with the Austrian host authorities and the OSCE Troika of current, previous and incoming Chairmanships (Albania, Slovakia and Sweden respectively), has asked staff to work from home, cancelled non-essential duty travel, postponed events and temporarily suspended its visiting group programme for the coming weeks.

The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship has also cancelled meetings of the Permanent Council and Turkey, Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation has cancelled meetings of the Forum for Security Co-operation, in line with guidance from the Austrian host authorities, until further notice. 

In the meantime, the OSCE’s essential work continues in accordance to its business continuity plans. The OSCE Secretary General is in contact with the OSCE Troika officials and heads of Executive Structures on a regular basis with the aim of minimising disruption to the Organization’s operations during this challenging time.