EU Hosts International and Regional Organisations on Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation
This was the fourth in a series of meetings, previously hosted by the OSCE, OIC and LAS, that recognises the important role that International and Regional Organisations play in mediation.Experts discussed joint, practical steps to strengthen the complementarity, coordination and coherence of their work in ongoing peace processes, such as for the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, Georgia and Ukraine. They also tackled specific needs and challenges, such as in relation to agreement on and implementation of ceasefires and the role of natural resources in conflict situations.
The EU uses peace mediation as a key foreign and security policy tool of first response before the outbreak of violence, during armed conflict or in the aftermath of war. It also provides significant support to the efforts of third parties, including most recently the UN in Libya and the OSCE in Ukraine.
The EU is a major supporter of the UN Mediation Support Unit, with which it cooperates closely, provides training to regional organisations as well as finance to build national capacities for conflict prevention around the globe.
The meeting was funded by the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) under the mediation support action 'European Resources for Mediation Support (ERMES)' managed by the Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI), which can be mobilised to help third parties' mediation efforts. A specific budget also exists to support the EEAS' own mediation efforts i.e. those of geographical divisions, EU Special Representatives and EU Delegations. Further information can be found below:
Links:
- Conflict Prevention, Peace building and Mediation
- EU Concept on Strengthening Mediation and Dialogue Capacities
- EEAS Mediation Support Team Factsheet
- Study on EU Lessons Learnt in Mediation and Dialogue
- UN Guidance for Effective Mediation
- UN General Assembly Resolution 68/303 : 'Strengthening the Role of Mediation in the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, Conflict Prevention and Resolution'