Briefing Paper 1
This paper is a basic introduction to the role of the EU in Peacebuilding, specifically in the prevention of violent conflicts (which is often referred to as conflict prevention).
The EU can be viewed as a peace project helping Western Europe to develop peacefully and prosperously. The EU states that “European Countries are committed to dealing peacefully with disputes and to co-operating through common institutions”. The EU recognises itself as a member of the international community and a global player “has a political and moral responsibility to act to avoid the human suffering and the destruction of resources caused by violent conflicts”.
Read “The Role of the European Union in Peacebuilding” (PDF – 82 KB)
Briefing Paper 2
Along with the historical ties and moral obligations that the EU has in Bosnia & Herzegovina and the wider Balkan region, the EU has a vested interest in the stability of the region. The European Security Strategy states that neighbouring countries “who are engaged in violent conflict…pose problems for Europe” and identifies the need for a “ring of well- governed countries to the East of the European Union”. If the region around, which includes the Balkans and therefore Bosnia & Herzegovina, is stable then the stability and security of the EU is also improved.
Read “The EU’s Involvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (PDF – 80 KB)
Briefing Paper 3
The EU recognises itself as a member of the international community and as a global player. It therefore “has a political and moral responsibility to act to avoid the human suffering and the destruction of resources caused by violent conflicts”. In its 2003 European Security Strategy it identifies the need to address the challenges of regional conflict and failed states, as well as the link between economic problems and violent conflict.
Read “The EU’s Involvement in Africa” (pdf – 74kb)
Briefing Paper 4
All EU States are members of the UN, and since 1974 the European Community has had permanent observer status. Cooperation and co-ordination between EU Member States at the UN and other international organisations has increased since the establishment of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy in 1992.
Read “The EU’s Relationship with the United Nations” (PDF – 68 KB)
Briefing Paper 5
This paper looks at the relationship of the EU and the United States of America (USA) as International Actors and briefly compares their external/foreign policies.
The current involvement of the USA in Western Europe originates from the Cold War between the Western and Soviet blocs. During this period the USA was actively involved in European security issues through the NATO alliance. Since the Cold War however there has been a shift in the USA’s foreign policy interests and less of a concern with security issues within the European Region.
Read “The EU’s Relationship with the United States of America” (PDF – 90 KB)