The Helsinki Final Act at 40: Informal high-level OSCE meeting in Helsinki, 10 July 2015

In 1975 in Helsinki, world leaders got together to sign a unique document that would revolutionize the concept of comprehensive security. The Helsinki Final Act was a historic triumph of cooperation over conflict, bridging the gap between East and West and setting the stage for the end of the Cold War. Today it remains the defining document that guides the work of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

In July 2015 the OSCE held a special commemorative event to mark this 40th anniversary.

Related url hyperlinks include a range of commentary features discussing the 40th anniversary of the OSCE.

• Primary Source

OSCE: What is the OSCE? http://www.osce.org/whatistheosce

CEPS: CEPS Essay, No.19, July 2015: The OSCE marks 40 years since the Helsinki Final Act: Its principles are more valid than ever http://www.ceps.eu/publications/osce-marks-40-years-helsinki-final-act-its-principles-are-more-valid-ever

ESO: Background information: The Helsinki Final Act: Is There Life After 40? http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-helsinki-final-act-is-there-life-after-40/

http://eeas.europa.eu/organisations/osce/index_en.htm http://eeas.europa.eu/organisations/osce/index_en.htm

Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 29.07.15: The OSCE From Confrontation to Cooperation and Back Again http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/?fa=60877

Blog: LSE EuroppBlog, 13.08.15: Forty years later, the signing of the Helsinki Final Act continues to have an impact on European security http://bit.ly/1J5rH1Y

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