News and press releases

Seventeen representatives from Ukraine’s demining agencies underwent a two-and-a-half month training to obtain an international qualification in explosive ordnance disposal. Organized by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine with support from the European Union, the training programme concluded on 18 May and included a combination of theoretical and practical exercises in line with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

WARSAW, 19 May 2025 – The first round of Poland’s presidential election offered voters a genuine choice between political options, but it took place against a background of deep political polarization that also impacted some key state institutions involved in the electoral process, international observers said in a statement today.

BUCHAREST, 19 May 2025 – In the strongly-contested second round of Romania’s repeat presidential election, fundamental freedoms of assembly and association were respected. However, defamatory rhetoric, biased media, and persistent inauthentic behaviour online, alongside regulatory gaps and fragmented responses by institutions, limited voters’ opportunity to make an informed choice and impacted public trust, international observers said in a statement today.

From 12 to 16 May, the PCUz organized a study trip to Finland for representatives of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan to gain insight into Finland’s best practices, environmental policies and legislative frameworks. The visit aimed to support

The OSCE is helping strengthen Montenegro’s ability to combat arms and human trafficking through targeted training for border and criminal police officers. From 13 to 16 May in Bar, Montenegro, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD), in close co-ordination with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, trained 15 officers from Montenegro’s Police Directorate as part of its ongoing support for border security and management.

From 16 to 18 May 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in close co-operation with the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, successfully concluded a three-day training programme held in Nurek aimed at strengthening the skills of young professionals in the water sector.

TIRANA/VIENNA, 17 May 2025 – The OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, completed his first official visit to Albania today, where he participated in the European Political Community Summit, emphasizing the OSCE’s continuing contribution to regional security and stability.