Switzerland will assume the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026 for the third time, following previous terms in 1996 and 2014.
This was announced in a statement by the Swiss Federal Council on December 30. On the same day, Jan Borg, the foreign minister of Malta and current OSCE chair, declared that Switzerland had been elected as the chair for 2026.
Switzerland was selected by the member states of the organization through a secret ballot. It will begin its executive duties on January 1, 2025, as part of the OSCE Troika, which also includes the chairs for 2024 (Malta) and 2025 (Finland). As a member of the Troika, Switzerland will be responsible, among other things, for relations with Mediterranean countries. The Troika is also tasked with making staffing decisions.
“Switzerland will take on the OSCE chairmanship at a challenging time for the organization, due to geopolitical events and Russia’s war against Ukraine. The fact that one participating state is at war with another participating state significantly limits the organization’s scope for action,” the statement said.
In assuming the chairmanship, Switzerland emphasizes the importance of ensuring dialogue and cooperation among all participating states, especially during politically complex times. Several participating states had previously approached Switzerland, asking it to submit its candidacy.
The OSCE, based in Vienna and comprising 57 member states, is the world’s largest regional security organization. Its work focuses on overcoming disagreements and building trust.
