This background paper by Tim Harman examines the issues surrounding the launch, in May 2014, of the European Institute of Peace (EIP). While there are various plans for this new peace organisation’s activities, the central purpose of the EIP is to organise mediation and dialogue, including engagement with militant groups. This background paper argues that the launch of the EIP merits a cautious welcome — the EIP has significant tasks ahead of it, and it will need to work within limited resources, with no guarantee of long-term funding. There is also a risk that the establishment of the EIP could lead to the diversion of political and financial support away from other, equally important peace initiatives.
To read the background paper on the European Institute of Peace, click here.