Charter for European Security

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Istanbul, Turkey - November 1999

The Charter for European Security was adopted at the OSCE’s Istanbul Summit in 1999. It was a major effort to adapt the principles of the Helsinki Final Act to the post-Cold War era and to create a “common and indivisible security space” from Vancouver to Vladivostok.

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Key Provisions

• Indivisible Security: The Charter’s most frequently cited principle is that of “indivisible security.” It states that the security of each participating state is inseparably linked to that of all others. It also affirms that states will not strengthen their security at the expense of the security of other states. This principle is often invoked by Russia in its criticism of NATO enlargement.

• Right to Choose Alliances: The Charter reaffirms the inherent right of each participating state to be free to choose or change its security arrangements, including treaties of alliance, as they evolve. This provision is often cited by NATO and its allies to defend the right of countries to seek membership in the Alliance.

• Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management: The Charter strengthens the OSCE’s role in conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. It created the Rapid Expert Assistance and Co-operation Teams (REACT) to enable the OSCE to deploy civilian experts to crisis areas more quickly.

• Human Security: The Charter emphasizes the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms as a core component of security. It addresses threats to security such as terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime.

• Cooperation with Other Organizations: The Charter establishes a “Platform for Co-operative Security” to strengthen cooperation between the OSCE and other international organizations, such as the UN, NATO, and the EU, to make better use of the resources of the international community.

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The Charter for European Security represents a high point of post-Cold War optimism and cooperation. However, the differing interpretations of its key principles, particularly the tension between the right of states to choose their own alliances and the principle of not strengthening one’s security at the expense of others, have become a major source of friction in the Euro-Atlantic security landscape.