Creating trust through transparency and openness

The OSCE’s approach is that military security and stability can be achieved through greater military transparency and openness, and exchange of military information. This is done through a set of mutually reinforcing and interlocking agreements and related information exchanges. These ensure the verification of compliance with agreed commitments; the notification of military activities; different forms of military co-operation and the regular exchange of military information on defence planning documents; military budgets; and defence policy and doctrines including visits to military facilities, observation visits, and demonstrations of new weapons systems. These measures serve as early warning indicators of potential conflict situations and by helping states to avoid misunderstandings, contribute to stability and security.