News and press releases

WARSAW, 15 May 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expresses serious concern following the conviction and sentencing of Grigory Melkonyants, co-chair of the independent Russian election monitoring group Golos, to five years in a penal colony, alongside a nine-year ban on public activities, after a verdict by a Moscow court.

VIENNA, 14 May – Today, Estonia held its first meeting as Chair of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC). Over the course of its tenure as FSC Chair, Estonia will aim to strengthen dialogue and co-operation on security challenges facing the region, notably Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, which has a profound impact on the whole OSCE region.

VIENNA/HELSINKI, 9 May 2025- The Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, concluded her official visit to Montenegro and North Macedonia today. The trip reaffirmed the OSCE’s commitment to stability, security and strengthening democratic institutions in South-Eastern Europe.

As part of the OSCE’s efforts to empower women in the security sector and strengthen regional security, the OSCE Secretariat, with support from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the five OSCE field operations in Central Asia, held the first meeting of the Regional Network of Women in Law Enforcement and Border Agencies in Central Asia in Vienna, Austria, on 7 and 8 May.

An intensive training course on strategic planning for young advisers from Central Asian countries was held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, from 5 to 9 May 2025. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Offices in Bishkek and Dushanbe, with support from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Mr. Santeri Leinonen, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Youth and Security, welcomed the participants via video message. The course aimed to enhance practical skills and deepen understanding of the role of strategic advisers in today’s dynamic environment. Participants — young professionals from government institutions, academia, and other relevant organizations — explored key aspects of strategic analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement. The training covered the following thematic areas: The role of political and strategic advisers in public administration; Strategy development and implementation in rapidly evolving political contexts; Engaging internal and external stakeholders, including inclusive approaches to various social groups; Developing communication strategies, including public speaking, working with the media, and tools for public diplomacy. The course was based on practical learning and active participation. Attendees improved their skills in drafting analytical materials, speeches, and briefings on key policy and development issues. Delivered in an interactive format, the training served as a platform for knowledge exchange and strengthened regional co-operation in the field of planning and advisory work.

VIENNA, 8 May 2025 – Over 400 participants from across the OSCE gathered in Vienna for the “Building resilience through inclusion and empowerment” Conference on Gender Equality organized under Finland’s 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship on 6 and 7 May 2025.

VIENNA, 5 May 2025 – A vibrant civic space in which everyone contributes to public and political life is increasingly challenged by growing threats to freedom of peaceful assembly and severe challenges faced by human rights defenders through discreditation, criminalization, and direct attacks, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today.