The Parliamentary Dimension of the OSCE

This article is part of the Special Issue on “The OSCE at 50: Reflections on security, cooperation and human rights”, published on a rolling basis between July and November 2025. The Special Issue was curated and edited Walter Kemp and Christian Strohal, Security and Human Rights Monitor Editorial Board members and guest editors-in chief.

Abstract

This article explores the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE. As an independent organization the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE facilitates inter-parliamentary dialogue and advances the OSCE’s goals of security and co-operation in its region. Parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue and election observation are the main tools the Parliamentary Assembly uses to implement the Helsinki Final Act’s principles. With war, conflict and backsliding of democracy in the region the work of the Parliamentary Assembly is more important than ever.

DOI: 10.58866/IGTH1199

Keywords
OSCE – Parliamentary assembly – parliamentary diplomacy – Ukraine war – election observation