Harnessing the EU’s Comparative Advantages in Conflict Management

The EU must capitalise on its unique strengths in a highly competitive global arena. Its comparative advantages lie in areas where it has ample experience, know-how, legal competence, and institutional capacity. This policy brief offers recommendations to harness these strengths in conflict prevention, mediation and resolution. By doing so, the EU will be able to act more proactively, assertively and effectively on the international stage.

1. Leverage the expertise of EU agencies for external action

The European Commission and the EEAS should further involve EU agencies - particularly those with traditionally internal mandates like the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) - in shaping the EU’s foreign policy. This integration would ensure that domestic achievements and know-how inform and enhance the EU’s external role in conflict management.

2. Empower and expand the corps of EU Special Representatives

The Council and the EEAS should bolster the EU’s diplomatic front by relying to a greater extent on EU’s Special Representatives (EUSRs) for thematic areas, countries and regions, and particular crises. This would be both cost-effective and strategic. It would heighten EU presence and influence in key crisis zones and policy areas, such as human rights advocacy. Enhanced visibility and streamlined coordination between EUSRs - and special envoys - would reaffirm the EU’s commitment to tackling regional and global challenges head-on.

3. Intensify support for civil society engagement

The European Commission, in collaboration with the EEAS and EU delegations, needs to prop up national and local civil society organisations as part of its conflict management activities. By providing these groups with the necessary tools and support, the EU would help them effectively address the multifaceted aspects of conflict management. The comprehensive participation of civil society would advance the EU’s objectives in gender mainstreaming, economic development and environmental protection. Moreover, it would accommodate EU policies to the realities of those they impact the most. It is imperative for EU actions to be shaped by and for the communities they serve, ensuring relevance, sustainability, and mutual respect in peacebuilding efforts.