The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), a regional security and cooperation body that includes the United States as a member, will not send international observers to the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. This marks the first time in the OSCE’s history that it has not been invited to observe federal elections in the U.S., a process that has taken place twelve times since 2002, including six previous midterm elections. The OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed "regret" over the decision, stating that it is not in line with the U.S.’s commitments as an OSCE member. The OSCE typically sends teams of observers to monitor elections in member states, ensuring they are conducted in a fair and transparent manner. These observers, usually composed of parliamentarians from European, Central Asian, and North American countries, compile reports that assess the electoral process. The absence of such observers in the upcoming U.S. elections is described as a "significant departure from an established democratic practice." Pere Joan Pons, president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, said he "deeply regretted" the U.S. decision not to invite the organization. The U.S. had previously requested that the OSCE reduce its annual budget by at least 15 million euros by the end of 2026. This financial request may have contributed to the current situation, though the OSCE has not directly linked the two. The decision not to invite observers has raised concerns about transparency and the U.S.’s commitment to democratic standards, even though the country has historically been a strong advocate for election monitoring in other parts of the world. The absence of OSCE observers could impact the perception of the U.S. elections on the international stage. While the U.S. maintains its own election oversight mechanisms, international observation missions are often seen as a way to reinforce trust in the electoral process. The OSCE’s exclusion from this year’s elections has sparked discussions about the importance of such oversight and the broader implications for international cooperation in promoting democratic values.