Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct on Politico-Мilitary Aspects of Security, adopted at the 1994 Budapest Summit and in force since 1 January 1995, is a landmark OSCE document that broke new ground regarding the role of armed forces in democratic societies. The Code is a stand-alone, politically binding instrument. By adopting the Code, the participating States agreed to reform their domestic politico-military affairs and to apply internationally agreed principles of democracy and the rule of law to their national security policies and doctrines.

The Code reaffirms the principles guiding relations among the OSCE participating States and their determination to act in solidarity in cases of violation of OSCE norms and commitments. The Code sets guidelines on democratic political control of military, paramilitary and internal security forces, and the respect of human and civil rights, as well as the law of war.

As part of the Code’s mechanism, the participating States annually exchange information in the form of answers to an extensive questionnaire on inter-State elements, intra-State elements, and public access and contact information. The voluntary part of the Questionnaire includes the information on implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda; Private Military Security Companies; and Children and Armed Conflict.

Exchange of military information made available to the public:

Answers to the Code of Conduct Questionnaire