OSCE

France’s Financial Contributions to the OSCE
The French in the OSCE
The EU’s Presence in the OSCE

In 2009, France contributed some €16.7 million to the organization’s total budget of €158.6 million in mandatory contributions. It is the third contributor to the OSCE’s budget, on par with the United Kingdom and Italy, after the United States and Germany. 9.35% of the Secretariat and Institutions budget and 11.09% of the field missions budget are financed by France.

In addition, France funds projects worth almost €222,000 in voluntary national contributions(cumulative 2007-2008). These contributions supplement general budget funds for implementing concrete actions in the field, particularly related to good governance. In 2009, they financed for example:

 combating human trafficking and in particular financing for specific actions in Kazakhstan, Albania, and Romania;

 combating hate crimes and intolerance;

 legal education for citizens in Turkmenistan;

 a study visit by Turkmen judges to the French National School of Magistracy;

 organizing a seminar on combating violence against women;

 economic rehabilitation of the conflict zone in Georgia;

 reinforcing the Bosnian judiciary’s capacities.

As of March 31st, 2009, 58 French people were employed within the OSCE, or 6.3% of Organization’s international staff, excluding local recruiters. Since June 2005, Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, State Councilor, has been Secretary General of the OSCE and was re-elected in 2008 for a second 3-year term. 23 other French people are employed in the Secretariat and the OSCE’s institutions: fifteen in the Secretariat, one in the Office for Media Freedom, one with the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities, and six in the ODIHR. France is also present in 14 of the OSCE’s 19 field missions with 34 contractual or seconded agents, including one head of mission, Alexandre Keltchewsky, head of the OSCE Center in Astana since June 2008.

In the OSCE, the EU speaks with one voice, with national positions remaining exceptional. The EU also covers 70% of the OSCE’s budget. A unique example to this degree in foreign policy, Europe does indeed exist within the OSCE. It is a model for diplomatic work. Countries coordinate their actions before each meeting, establishing joint positions. France’s action is inseparable from that of other Member States and the European Union’s priorities.

The EU’s priorities are:

 security and stability in Southeast Europe;

 developing a strategy in Central Asia around

 implementing the rule of law and improving border management in an attempt to respond to threats in the region: organized crime, drug trafficking, terrorism;

 conflict Resolution in the Southern Caucasus (South Ossetia in Georgia, Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan) and Moldova (Transnistrian issue);

 compliance by all Member States with their commitments, including in human rights and supporting the OSCE’s institutions (Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, High Commissioner for National Minorities, Representative for Media Freedom, Field Missions) to contribute;

 adapting the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) to the military realities of today;

 continuing the Corfu process on the future of European security.

Update: 05.01.10