n August 1975, at the height of the Cold War, the Helsinki Final Act was signed by 35 States from Europe, North America, and the then Soviet Union. This landmark agreement laid the foundations for cooperation in security, human rights, and international dialogue, opening a path toward understanding in a divided world.
The U.S. delegation to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, July 30, 1975 (photo: David Hume Kennerly, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)
The Role of the OSCE
The Final Act gave rise to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), which later evolved into today’s Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With 57 participating States, the OSCE is now the world’s largest regional security organization, working to prevent conflicts, promote democracy, and protect human rights.
Helsinki Spain and the International Network of Helsinki Committees
In the spirit of that commitment, Helsinki Committees were created in several countries. These civil society organizations dedicate their work to promoting human rights, peace, and international security, inspired by the principles of the Final Act.
In Spain, this mission took shape through Helsinki España, which for more than three decades has carried out programs in human rights education, peace culture, and international security. Through courses, seminars, and projects, we bring young people, institutions, and civil society closer to the values that inspired the 1975 Act.
The Relevance of the Principles in a World of Tensions
Fifty years later, the 10 key principles of the Final Act remain as vital as ever. In a global context marked by growing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, and cross-border challenges, the commitment to cooperation, respect for human rights, and the peaceful settlement of disputes continues to serve as an indispensable compass.
A Commitment that Endures
On this anniversary, Helsinki España recalls that the legacy of the Helsinki Final Act is not only a part of history but also a living call to work together for peace, security, and human dignity.
Students training on peace missions with Helsinki Spain, July 2025