Foreword As the world’s largest regional security organization, the OSCE has an impressive record in promoting peace and security, and in strengthening democracy, good governance and respect for human rights. Building on the OSCE’s unique experience, this reference guide provides valuable insight into the work of its field operations in South-Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on sustainable peace and democracy. It provides a comprehensive overview of best practices from activities on the ground, with an emphasis on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the promotion of democratic reforms at all levels—local, national and regional. Already during its OSCE Chairmanship in 2016, Germany emphasized strengthening the OSCE’s toolbox along all phases of the conflict cycle, from early warning and conflict prevention to crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. Enhancing the OSCE´s capacities to support peacebuilding, reconciliation, good governance, and the rule of law was a key priority. For this reason, Germany wholeheartedly supported the identification of lessons and best practices from South-Eastern Europe in this important area. Further strengthening the OSCE and the instruments within its toolbox is best done by building on the decades of expertise already acquired by the organization in its pursuit of peace and security. This reference guide does exactly that: it draws on the OSCE’s achievements and provides—for the first time—a comprehensive 7