Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation

01/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/12/2026 08:16

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in Vienna

The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna on 15 January 2026 to officially open Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In his capacity as chairman-in-office, Mr Cassis will present the focus, programme and special representatives of the Swiss chairpersonship. He will also meet with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, among others.

Mr Cassis' upcoming visit to Vienna will mark the official opening of Switzerland's chairpersonship this year. It will also serve to step up dialogue with OSCE bodies and participating states and to set out the focus of the Swiss chairpersonship. In addition to chairing the first OSCE Permanent Council of 2026 (livestream here ), talks have been planned with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu, heads of the OSCE autonomous institutions, heads of field missions, special representatives and representatives of participating states.

Switzerland is committed to ensuring that the OSCE continues to make an effective contribution to security in Europe. To this end, the organisation should continue to act as an inclusive platform for dialogue and be prepared to play a role in achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The OSCE also needs targeted internal reform, to be achieved by focusing on activities where its added value is greatest. Switzerland has set out five priorities for its chairpersonship year and will maintain the necessary flexibility to respond to developments as and when they arise. This will also depend on the support of all participating states as OSCE decisions are consensus-based.

The OSCE remains indispensable due to its concrete impact on the ground, its ability to bring all relevant actors to the table, and its status as the only forum where all European security-related issues can be discussed with the participation of European states, the US, Canada and Russia. By assuming the OSCE chair for the third time after two terms in 1996 and 2014, Switzerland is underscoring its long-term commitment to peace, stability and security in Europe.

Chairman-in-office representatives

Mr Cassis has appointed a number of chairman-in-office representatives to support his efforts in conflict prevention, management and resolution. Mandates are either geographical (Ukraine, Moldova, South Caucasus) or thematic, including combating anti-semitism, racism and other forms of intolerance, preventing human trafficking, and fostering dialogue and engagement with civil society.

Meeting with Austrian foreign minister

Mr Cassis will also hold talks with his Austrian counterpart, Ms Meinl-Reisinger, focusing on European security, the OSCE's role and Swiss chairpersonship, and developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. Mr Cassis will also express thanks for Austria's solidarity following the devastating fire in Crans-Montana.

Swiss permanent mission in Vienna on the OSCE chairpersonship webpage

Swiss OSCE chairpersonship news platform

2026 OSCE chairpersonship, OSCE

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 [email protected]

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation published this content on January 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 12, 2026 at 14:16 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]