On 1 August 1975, in Helsinki, 35 states sign the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) — the Helsinki Accords — the document fixing East–West principles in Cold War Europe.

The Act comprises three “baskets”: security (inviolability of frontiers, non-intervention), economic cooperation and human rights, plus military confidence-building measures.

Though not a classic ratifiable treaty, it was solemnly signed by heads of state and government and became the basis of the OSCE and of human-rights movements in the Eastern bloc.

For European diplomacy, 1 August 1975 marks the culmination of the Helsinki Conference.

The official text is on the OSCE site / diplomatic collections.

The Helsinki Final Act of 1 August 1975 remains the milestone of security and cooperation in Cold War Europe.

The document linked recognition of borders to commitments on fundamental freedoms, with lasting impact on Eastern Europe.

Image: Helsinki; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Helsinki Accords. Treaty text: Helsinki Final Act (OSCE).