Commission Update on Mr. Delors' Vision for the European Union's Tomorrow
**Helga Schmid Tipped for OSCE Secretary-General Role**
A potential successor to the vacant post of Secretary-General at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has been proposed, with Helga Schmid, currently serving as Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), being put forward for the position.
The German government has expressed its intention to nominate Schmid for the post, which has been vacant for several months following the end of Thomas Greminger's term in December. If approved, Schmid is set to succeed Greminger and take up the role at the OSCE, based in Vienna, Austria.
Schmid's nomination comes as a result of her distinguished career in European and international diplomacy, marked by her leadership in complex multilateral negotiations and crisis management. The OSCE, a key forum for European security dialogue, requires a Secretary-General with proven experience in consensus-based diplomacy, a deep understanding of Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian affairs, and a track record of navigating high-stakes international negotiations—qualities Schmid has demonstrated throughout her career.
Schmid's diplomatic career has been shaped by significant roles within both the European Union and multilateral frameworks. At the EEAS, she previously served as the Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, effectively acting as the EU’s political director. In this capacity, she was responsible for coordinating the EU’s foreign policy, including relations with major global powers and crisis regions.
Schmid also played a central role in the negotiations leading to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal) as the EU’s lead negotiator. Her expertise in non-proliferation and her ability to maintain dialogue among adversarial parties were crucial to reaching this landmark agreement.
Schmid's active participation in OSCE events underscores her commitment to the organization’s values of cooperative security and conflict prevention. If approved, she will bring her leadership, conflict prevention, and cooperative security skills to the OSCE, which is currently facing a months-long leadership crisis.
The federal cabinet is expected to decide on Schmid's candidacy today, according to reports from the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" (Wednesday edition). If approved, Schmid's appointment as OSCE Secretary-General could mark a significant step forward for the organization, as it navigates the challenges of a complex and rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
- The nomination of Helga Schmid for the OSCE Secretary-General role, if approved, could signify a shift in the organization's policy-and-legislation and politics, given her extensive experience in complex multilateral negotiations and crisis management.
- The general-news media has been abuzz with discussions about other potential contenders for the OSCE Secretary-General role, in light of Schmid's nomination and the various qualities she brings to the table, including her proven track record in consensus-based diplomacy.
