Forum for Security Co-operation

Established in 1992, the Forum for Security Co-operation is a key OSCE decision-making body on politico-military issues of security. Its mandate focuses on a broad array of security matters, such as arms control and non-proliferation issues, including a wide-range of confidence- and security-building measures, countering illicit small arms and light weapons, the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1540 on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, as well as other security-related issues raised by the OSCE participating States.

The Forum has been recognized for its relevance as a platform for dialogue addressing politico-military issues. The discussions at the Forum’s weekly Plenary Meetings focus on the implementation of key arms control agreements and confidence- and security-building measures, as well as on co-operation and military information exchange among the OSCE’s participating States.

The OSCE Structured Dialogue

The OSCE Structured Dialogue on current and future challenges and risks to security in the OSCE area brings together senior officials from capitals and ambassadors of the Organization’s 57 participating States in an informal working group format. They meet to discuss challenges in the broader politico-military sphere, explore ways to overcome differences, and seek to reverse the negative trends that have affected European security in recent years.

The Forum for Security Co-operation’s mandate is built on key OSCE foundational decisions and documents. It covers a wide range of politico-military issues, ranging from traditional security between and within States to transnational threats, such as the trafficking of weapons, including weapons of mass destruction. Its main tasks include regular consultations and intensive co-operation between the participating States on politico-military security matters, negotiations on confidence- and security-building measures, reducing the risks of conflict, and implementing agreed politico-military commitments.

The Forum meets weekly in Vienna and is chaired by each participating State for a period of four months on a rotational basis, following the French alphabetical order. The Chairperson is assisted by the incoming and outgoing Chairpersons, who together form the Forum’s Troika. 

2025 Chairs of the Forum for Security Co-operation: Spain, Estonia, Finland

2026 Chairs of the Forum for Security Co-operation: France, Georgia, United Kingdom

A specialized unit in the OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre supports the Forum’s activities.