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The European Institute of Peace: A Pillar of European Values and Global Peace Efforts

22/07/2024

By Hadja Labib, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium*

The European Institute of Peace stands out in numerous unique ways. Although not a formal European institution, it enjoys robust support from the European Union (EU) in both its policies and founding. Interestingly, not all EU member states are part of the Institute, and conversely, some members are not EU members. This illustrates the Institute’s embodiment of our shared European values and strategic objectives.

What truly sets the Institute apart is its active influence in conflict zones, often in regions where few other institutions operate. It brings together conflicting parties, activists, political, and societal influencers, encouraging dialogue and fostering mutual understanding. Its work on the ground, amid conflicts and hostilities, and close to the people affected by conflict, is invaluable and makes a significant difference.

One memorable event was the conference organised in the margins of the Munich Security Conference, where foreign ministers and influential women from Afghanistan participated via videoconference, sharing their perspectives. Such initiatives, which bridge different perspectives on conflict and peace, are crucial in today’s world, where the geopolitical landscape is rapidly changing, especially with the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

In recent years, driven by these geopolitical shifts, the EU has focused on strengthening its peace and security policies. Founded as a peace project to heal the wounds of war and unite people around human rights, prosperity, and freedom, the EU is now returning to its foundational values enshrined in treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. These values are more crucial than ever, especially with conflicts at our borders. We must defend and strengthen these principles.

The Institute understands the challenges of working for peace, conflict resolution, and dialogue. In today’s digital age, it is far easier to post hate speech on social media than to meet face-to-face with an opponent and seek common ground through respectful dialogue. We live in a world where countries still take up arms against their neighbours, invade lands, kill citizens, and cause destruction without respect for international law or human dignity. In this grim context, fostering dialogue and supporting nonviolent conflict resolution is urgent and essential. These are the only true paths to peace, freedom, and lasting security.

That is why the Institute’s initiatives in conflict regions, along with various mediation initiatives, remain essential and require significant effort in networking, human resources, and funding. Together, we can make a real difference politically, in governance, and in financial and budget planning.

Peace and security are threatened not only by open conflict but also by climate change, demographic shifts, poverty, inequality, gender imbalances, poor health, and poor education. Humanitarian needs are becoming increasingly urgent and critical worldwide. Human multilateralism is at risk, as evidenced by the numerous unresolved resolutions in the United Nations. We have led conflict resolution efforts for decades, yet without significant results. This is particularly evident in the Middle East today.

As governments, we must build new partnerships and coalitions of the willing. We need to launch initiatives that build trust, reduce, and ideally resolve armed conflict. This involves bringing together official, non-official, and private actors, donors, influencers, and all those committed to peaceful conflict resolution worldwide. We must champion dialogue, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and mediation. The Institute can and should certainly be a key European player in this joint endeavour.

The Institute has grown and adapted in this changing landscape. It is doing important work in partnership with the EU and European countries. It engages parties in conflict, designs processes, facilitates dialogue, and supports those most affected by conflict.

I hope that, with support of European states, the Institute will find ways to increase political and practical solutions for conflict prevention, resolution, and dialogue, thereby strengthening and expanding its crucial role. Its core mission has never been more relevant than today. Peace must and will prevail. That is what Europe and the European project are all about.

*This text is based on a speech delivered by Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Labib during the ‘Is Peacemaking Becoming Contentious‘ event to mark the Institute’s 10-year anniversary.