The EU’s Approach to Nexus Issues in Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Resolution: Climate, Development and Gender

Ester Sabatino, Gustavo Müller & Gustavo Ramírez Buchheister

This working paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the European Union's (EU) approach to nexus issues in conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution. In the realm of gender and conflict, it emphasises the EU's commitment to mainstreaming gender in its peacebuilding efforts in Guatemala. The EU aims to tackle gender-based violence and enhance women's political and economic participation. Despite its clear objectives, there is a level of ambiguity regarding the alignment of these actions with transformative gender principles, particularly regarding indigenous and rural communities in Latin America. With the case of Serbia, the paper delves into the EU's strategy concerning the security-development nexus. The Union employs the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to fund development projects that align with its priorities for the Western Balkans. However, challenges arise due to Serbia's financial constraints and administrative capacity. Meanwhile, the Arctic, characterised by its fragile environment and geopolitical significance, presents the EU with intricate challenges in the face of climate change. Past disputes over jurisdictional issues exemplify the complexities the EU encounters in the region. Yet, the EU's efforts to fortify its Arctic presence signal its commitment to the region with a fast- changing geopolitical landscape.

Throughout these analyses, China's growing global presence surfaces as a recurrent theme. In the Arctic, China's growing interests pose challenges to regional governance and sustainability. In Serbia, Chinese investments, though beneficial in infrastructure development, raise sustainability and debt concerns. In Central America, China's economic and geopolitical engagements contrast with the EU's emphasis on human rights, democratic governance, and gender mainstreaming. The paper concludes by highlighting the multifaceted nature of the EU's approach to these nexus issues, stressing the need for coherence across various EU instruments and adaptation to local realities in partner countries and regions. In addition, it underscores the significance of aligning the EU's strategies towards individual countries with broader regional approaches.