CSCE Budapest Declaration,
Towards A Genuine Partnership In A New Era,
DOC.RC/1/95 (21 December 1994)

Budapest Decisions
I
Strengthening the CSCE


  1. The new era of security and co-operation in Europe has led to a fundamental change in the CSCE and to a dramatic growth in its role in shaping our common security area. To reflect this the CSCE will henceforth be known as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The change in name will be effective on 1 January 1995. As of this date, all references to the CSCE will henceforth be considered as references to the OSCE.

  2. The participating States are determined to exploit its potential to the fullest, and agreed in that spirit on the following goals and objectives along with structural changes needed to strengthen the CSCE and make it as effective as possible. The purpose is to strengthen the CSCE's contribution to security, stability and co-operation in the CSCE region so that it plays a central role in the promotion of a common security space based on the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

  3. The Heads of State or Government have directed that the future role and functions of the CSCE will include the following:

  4. - to make vigorous use of its norms and standards in shaping a common security area;

  5. - to ensure full implementation of all CSCE commitments;

  6. - to serve, based on consensus rules, as the inclusive and comprehensive forum for consultation, decision-making and co-operation in Europe;

  7. - to enhance good-neighbourly relations through encouraging the conclusion of bilateral, regional and potential CSCE-wide agreements or arrangements between and among participating States;

  8. - to strengthen further the CSCE's capacity and activity in preventive diplomacy;

  9. - to further its principles and develop its capabilities in conflict resolution, crisis management and peacekeeping and in post-conflict rehabilitation, including assisting with reconstruction;

  10. - to enhance security and stability through arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building throughout the CSCE region and at regional levels;

  11. - to develop further CSCE work in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and other areas of the human dimension;

  12. - to promote co-operation among participating States to establish strong market-based economies throughout the CSCE region;

  13. - to enhance further the CSCE's problem-solving activities and abilities taking into account the whole spectrum of its responsibilities as they have developed after the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act in order to meet the new challenges and risks.

  14. To accomplish these objectives, the CSCE will function as follows:

  15. The next Meeting of Heads of State or Government will take place in 1996 in Lisbon preceded by a preparatory meeting. The Summit will decide on the frequency of future Summit meetings.

  16. The Ministerial Council (formerly the CSCE Council) as the central decision-making and governing body of the CSCE will meet, as a rule, towards the end of every term of chairmanship at the level of Foreign Ministers.

  17. The Senior Council (replacing the Committee of Senior Officials) will meet in Prague twice a year, at the minimum. An additional meeting will be held before the Ministerial Council Meeting. The Senior Council will discuss and set forth policy and broad budgetary guidelines. The participating States are encouraged to be represented at the level of political directors or at a corresponding level. The Senior Council will also be convened as the Economic Forum.

  18. The Permanent Council (formerly the Permanent Committee) will be the regular body for political consultation and decision-making. It can also be convened for emergency purposes. It will meet in Vienna and be composed of the permanent representatives of the participating States.

  19. Overall responsibility for executive action will remain with the Chairman-in-Office (CIO). The CIO will continue to take full advantage of his/her mandate, inter alia, by dispatching personal representatives. The CIO will be assisted by the Troika. The term of chairmanship will normally last one calendar year.

  20. The Secretary General will continue to take full advantage of his/her mandate and in support of the CIO will be more actively involved in all aspects of the management of the CSCE. He/she participates in Troika ministerial meetings.

  21. The continuation of the activities of the High Commissioner on National Minorities will be supported and his/her resources will be enhanced. The participating States will increase their efforts to implement his/her recommendations.

  22. The work of CSCE missions will be given political support and follow-up from the Permanent Council. In order to ensure the fulfilment of their tasks, the necessary human and financial resources will be committed by the participating States.

  23. The CSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights will be strengthened in playing an important role in CSCE activities.

  24. The CIO will continue to maintain close contacts and an active dialogue with the Parliamentary Assembly (PA). The CIO will draw the recommendations of the PA to the attention of the Permanent Council and inform the PA on the activities of the CSCE.

  25. The current mode of review of implementation of all CSCE commitments will be maintained. The review meeting before each Summit will be held in Vienna.

  26. The CSCE will enhance co-operation with the United Nations and European and other regional and transatlantic organizations, while avoiding duplication of effort. As participants in a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, CSCE participating States will make every effort to achieve pacific settlement of local disputes before referring them to the United Nations Security Council.

  27. As a comprehensive framework for security, the CSCE will be ready to act as a repository for freely negotiated bilateral and multilateral arrangements and agreements and to follow their implementation if requested by the parties.

  28. The CIO will prepare a consolidated text on decisions concerning CSCE structures and institutions by the Budapest 1995 Ministerial Council Meeting.

  29. The change in name from CSCE to OSCE alters neither the character of our CSCE commitments nor the status of the CSCE and its institutions. In its organizational development the CSCE will remain flexible and dynamic. Work will be continued on issues relating to further institutional development of the CSCE, including strengthening and rationalization of its instruments and mechanisms. The CSCE will regularly review its goals, operations and structural arrangements. The CSCE will review implementation of the Rome Decision on Legal Capacity and Privileges and Immunities and explore if necessary the possibility of further arrangements of a legal nature. Participating States will, furthermore, examine possible ways of incorporating their commitments into national legislation and, where appropriate, of concluding treaties.

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