The Helsinki Accords were a diplomatic agreement signed in 1975 by 35 nations, including the United States and the Soviet Union. The accords aimed to improve relations between the Eastern Bloc and the Western countries during the Cold War. They focused on issues like security, economic cooperation, and human rights. The agreement established principles for peaceful coexistence, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also encouraged nations to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, which later inspired movements for democracy in various countries, particularly in Eastern Europe.