Estonia in the OSCE

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the largest regional security cooperation organisation in the world. The OSCE includes 57 member states from Europe, North America, and Asia. The OSCE is headquartered in Vienna. Estonia joined the OSCE in September 1991. The permanent representation of Estonia in Vienna started its work on 5 May 1993. The first ambassador was Kalev Stoicescu. In addition, the OSCE Mission to Estonia operated here in 1993–2001. Its focus was on citizenship and language issues.

Estonia has participated in various OSCE missions. For example, after the aggression of Russia, the OSCE sent a special monitoring mission to Ukraine, where more than ten observers from Estonia have participated. Since 2010, Estonia has also sent short-term election observers to various countries. In addition to election observation missions, Estonia has also sent observers to other OSCE observation missions.

Estonia also aspires to chair the OSCE in the coming years. The consent of all OSCE participating states is required to become Chairman-in-Office. So far, Estonia has never chaired the OSCE.

Permanent representatives of Estonia at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna

  • 1993–1995 Grigore-Kalev Stoicescu
  • 1995–1999 ambassador Väino Reinart
  • 1999–2002 ambassador Tiina Intelmann
  • 2002–2007 ambassador Gea Rennel
  • 2007–2011 ambassador Triin Parts
  • 2011-2015 ambassador Mariin Ratnik
  • 2015–2019 ambassador Eve-Külli Kala
  • 2019–2023 ambassador Sander Soone
  • 2023–          ambassador Kaja Tael
OSCE Estonia in OSCE

Related links

Permanent Representation of Estonia to the OSCE in Twitter Website of OSCE

Last updated: 09.10.2023

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