The OSCE is an organization oriented towards the promotion of democracy and economic liberalism in Europe. It currently comprises 57 countries in Europe, Central Asia and North America, extending geographically from Vancouver (Canada) to Vladivostok (Russian Federation). It aims to establish a "code of conduct" commonly accepted by the participating States, in order to promote peace, security and justice, and develop friendly and cooperative relations in the economic, scientific, technological, environmental and humanitarian fields.
Its activities range from issues such as military transparency and arms control, promotion of economic development, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources, as well as transnational threats like cyber security or the fight against terrorism.
The OSCE continues to be an important forum for conflict resolution and building trust between the parties.
The European Union works through and with the OSCE concerning issues such as conflict prevention and resolution, arms control, human rights, protection of minorities, election observation and rule of law, fight against terrorism, cyber security and environmental degradation. It should be noted that in times of renewed geopolitical tensions, the EU values the OSCE as a forum for on-going dialogue with the Russian Federation.
Many OSCE activities include seminars, courses and conferences or annual meetings on Human Dimension Implementation, which provide a privileged forum for dialogue between representatives of civil society, non-governmental organisations and OSCE participating States.
Portugal received a delegation from ODIHR (Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights), in September 2009, to carry out a mission to evaluate the legislative elections and, in June 2013, to observe a demonstration and to meet with the police authorities who would follow up on it.
The MHA Security Forces and Services regularly participate in seminars, courses and conferences promoted by the OSCE.