What exactly was signed in Helsinki in August 1975?

Fifty years ago, the signing of the Helsinki Accords was an attempt to reduce tensions between the Soviet and Western blocs by securing mutual recognition of the post–World War II status quo in Europe. But what exactly did 35 countries sign?

This content was published on July 24, 2025 - 09:00

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I cover international relations with a focus on Switzerland, lead journalistic investigations, and conduct deeply personal interviews on challenging topics. Over 25 years in journalism. Graduated from Moscow State University's Faculty of Journalism and the French Press Institute in Paris. Former TV/radio host in France and Russia. I am a published author and documentary filmmaker who has interviewed presidents and rock stars.

My work focuses on multimedia content formats. I produce videos and photos for SWI swissinfo.ch's various online channels and work as a picture editor. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Production and completed an apprenticeship as a mediamatician.

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¿Qué fue exactamente lo que se firmó en Helsinki en agosto de 1975?
中文

1975年8月在赫尔辛基究竟签署了什么？

from left, US President Gerald Ford, Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev and Soviet Prime Minister Andrei Gromyko, walk in front of the Soviet embassy in Helsinki during the CSCE 1975 conference.

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What exactly was signed in Helsinki in August 1975?

Fifty years ago, the signing of the Helsinki Accords was an attempt to reduce tensions between the Soviet and Western blocs by securing mutual recognition of the post–World War II status quo in Europe. But what exactly did 35 countries sign?

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50 years of the Helsinki Accords: Switzerland’s role between the blocs

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50 years of the Helsinki Accords: Switzerland’s role between the blocs