BERN, Switzerland (Chatnewstv.com) — Switzerland assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on Thursday, becoming the first country to lead the 57-member body three times as it pledged to promote dialogue, democratic values and a just peace in Ukraine amid continuing war in Europe.
The Swiss chairmanship, announced jointly in Bern and Vienna, follows previous Swiss terms in 1996 and 2014 and reflects what officials described as the country’s long-standing commitment to peace, security and stability in Europe and beyond.
“In the face of war in Europe, Switzerland is committed to a just peace in Ukraine, based on international law and the Helsinki principles,” Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said as he assumed the role of OSCE chairman-in-office.
“We will use our mediation experience to promote dialogue, trust and security.”
Switzerland outlined five priorities for its 2026 chairmanship: upholding the Helsinki Principles, advancing inclusive multilateral diplomacy, anticipating the impact of emerging technologies, strengthening democracy and human rights, and reinforcing the OSCE’s capacity to act.
Cassis said Switzerland would seek inclusive engagement with all participating states, despite deep political divisions within the organization.
“We approach our chairmanship knowing that despite tensions the OSCE remains indispensable,” he said. “When diplomacy seems impossible, it becomes crucial.”
He also stressed the importance of consensus within the OSCE, while warning that agreement carries shared responsibility.
“Consensus is the bedrock of our organization,” Cassis said, recalling remarks he made to the OSCE Permanent Council last September.
“But it also requires responsibility from each of us. Switzerland’s political system is based on dialogue and listening to all parties. This is the spirit in which we will chair the OSCE.”
Swiss officials said the chairmanship would prioritize support for OSCE field operations and election observation missions, while ensuring that democracy, the rule of law and human rights remain central to European security.
As part of its agenda, Switzerland plans to host four international conferences and the OSCE Ministerial Council later this year. The first conference, scheduled for Feb. 9–10 in St. Gallen, will focus on combating antisemitism and other forms of intolerance. A second meeting on May 7–8 in Geneva will examine how scientific and technological advances are reshaping security and cooperation in Europe.
A third conference on Sept. 3–4 in Bern will use archival materials from several countries to reflect on the origins and purpose of the OSCE’s predecessor, while a fourth meeting on Sept. 29–30 in Zug will address de-escalation in cyberspace.
Cassis said Switzerland also plans direct engagement with key OSCE regions and states, with several trips planned to priority areas during the year.
With the new chairmanship, Switzerland reaffirmed the continued relevance of the Helsinki Final Act, the 1975 agreement that underpins the OSCE’s principles.
“We must not simply celebrate Helsinki but update it,” Cassis said at the OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna last month.
“The Decalogue is not a symbolic legacy; it is a manual for action.”
