Briefing with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid in the German Bundestag

For decades, the OSCE has stood for a comprehensive approach to security and regional cooperation. The Russian attack on Ukraine poses major challenges for the OSCE. At the same time, it is particularly relevant as a forum and mediator because of the tense situation and the shrinking diplomatic channels toward Moscow. It is the only organization where all countries that are important to European security, including Russia, sit at the same table.

How has the OSCE defended the Helsinki and Paris commitments? Which topics are being prioritized? What do the war in Ukraine and climate security have to do with each other?

Members of the coalition fractions in the German Parliament debated these and other questions with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid on March 1. ZIF had initiated the briefing together with Member of the Parliament Nils Schmid and the Foreign Affairs Working Group of the SPD.

Helga Maria Schmid, who is also a member of ZIF's International Advisory Board, told the MPs about the manifold activities of the currently largest regional security organization, especially regarding the "human dimension".

The lively exchange following her presentation underlined the high interest in and appreciation of those present for the important work of the OSCE and the continuing need for political and budgetary support, for example for ZIF secondments.