2013年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_EU_Global_Peace_Diplomacy_2页_331kb

EU Global Peace Diplomacy Summary

Core Content

The document discusses the European Union's role in global peace diplomacy, particularly in the context of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the EU for its contributions to peace and reconciliation in Europe. It highlights the EU's strategy of using 'soft power' to promote peace, especially through enlargement and the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) in the Western Balkans. The author, Steven Blockmans, reflects on the EU's effectiveness as a mediator beyond Europe, noting both successes and failures in its diplomatic efforts.

Main Views

• Nobel Peace Prize Recognition: The EU received the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize for its role in transforming Europe from a continent of war to one of peace, a significant achievement that has been overshadowed by its current economic and social challenges.

• EU's Peace-Building Strategy: The EU's success in peace-building is largely attributed to its soft power and enlargement policy. The SAP has been particularly effective in promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

• Geographical Limitations: The EU's mediation efforts are most effective within its immediate neighborhood. Its influence diminishes as it moves further from its core region, and its power of attraction is primarily based on development assistance and trade relations.

• Notable Mediation Successes:

  • Russo-Georgian ceasefire agreement (2008)
  • Implementation of the 2005 Aceh Peace Agreement
  • 2002 Belgrade Agreement for Serbia and Montenegro
  • 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement in Macedonia

• Challenges in Mediation: The EU has had mixed success in mediating conflicts outside Europe. Its role in the Balkans in the 1990s was notably ineffective, and current efforts in the Middle East and other regions have not yet yielded positive results.

• EU's Comprehensive Approach: The EU aims to use its mediation and dialogue services as part of a broader strategy for conflict prevention and resolution. This approach requires coordination with member states and global actors such as the United Nations and regional organizations.

• Future Prospects: The author suggests that the EU could benefit from a 'European Institute of Peace', an initiative launched by Sweden and Finland, and supported by the EEAS. This institute could leverage the EU's neutrality and local knowledge to enhance its mediation capabilities.

Key Information

• Award Context: The 2012 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the EU for its peace efforts in Europe.
• Strategic Focus: The EU's success in peace-building is rooted in its enlargement policy and soft power.
• Geographical Impact: The EU's effectiveness in mediation is strongest within its immediate neighborhood.
• Historical Failures: The EU's inability to prevent the violent dissolution of Yugoslavia and the conflict in Kosovo are cited as major failures.
• Current Efforts: The EU is involved in peace processes in the Middle East, Sudan, and Mindanao, but results are yet to be seen.
• Institutional Role: The EEAS plays a crucial role in coordinating the EU's external action and promoting a coherent approach to conflict resolution.
• Future Direction: The document calls for the EU to strengthen its mediation and dialogue capacities globally, especially with the support of a potential European Institute of Peace.

Conclusion

The EU's peace diplomacy, while recognized with the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize, remains a work in progress. Its effectiveness is largely confined to its immediate neighborhood, and it has struggled with mediation efforts beyond Europe. Despite these challenges, the EU continues to play a role in global peace processes and is working to enhance its capabilities through coordinated efforts and new initiatives. The award is seen as a motivation to further develop these capacities, even in the face of budget constraints.