This working paper assesses the European Union's strategies in addressing conflict prevention, mediation and resolution in Guatemala, Serbia, and the Arctic. In Guatemala, the EU emphasizes integrating gender perspectives into peacebuilding efforts but encounters uncertainties in applying these principles to indigenous and rural communities. In Serbia, EU funding for aligned development projects faces hurdles due to Serbia's financial limitations and administrative capacity. As for the Arctic, the EU grapples with environmental fragility and geopolitical complexities while demonstrating a commitment to bolstering its presence despite historical disputes.

This paper examines the EU's selective crisis engagement in its neighborhood. Analyzing the Israel-Palestine and Armenia-Azerbaijan protracted conflicts, and the more recent and cascading (crisis-to-war) conflicts in Libya and Ukraine, it uncovers patterns driven by proximity, severity, and salience. While noting challenges, the paper finds a positive exception in Ukraine's case, signaling a potential shift in the EU's crisis response dynamics, especially in the context of Russia's escalating war.

This working paper assesses the European Union's ability to implement integrated external action in conflict resolution, prevention, and mediation through three case studies of its strategic partnerships with international organizations in addressing crises. It examines the EU's effectiveness and its capacity to act coherently and autonomously in these scenarios, shedding light on the dynamic nature of such partnerships and the importance of adaptability for successful cooperation.