BANIM G. & HERRBERG A. - The EU and Peace Mediation (25h)

International peace mediation is a recognised professional practice for diplomats and those working in international affairs. Mediation is a profession in many member states of the EU, whilst peace mediation and mediation support have become an independent field of expertise in the foreign policy domain. Both Member States and the European Union have been increasing their investment in this practice as a career track next to diplomacy, with increasing levels of specialisation. As other professions, mediation is an art, a skill, and a craft. It is part of diplomacy but a distinct practice. Mediation techniques operate at all levels and can help anybody in everyday relations as well as being invaluable on the path towards global peace. Understanding conflict and mediation requires also a deeper awareness of the connection between the body and mind in conflict.


In the decade following the end of the Cold War more attention was paid to the application of mediation skills and practices to international diplomacy as conflicts increasingly came to be solved through negotiation and third-party diplomatic intervention rather through military force. This created a new dynamic and caused a number of mediation actors to emerge on the international scene: from the UN to regional organisations such as the OSCE and the African Union, as well as international and local NGOs, all of which play different, complementary and sometimes competitive roles in conflict resolution.


Starting with the UN Guidance for Peace Mediation, specific approaches and methodologies were developed to ensure the efficiency of conflict resolution through mediation as a way of engaging on conflicts. This approach to mediation has a specific relevance to the EU given its presence in most, if not all global conflict theatres through its High Representatives, the EU Special Representatives and the Heads of EU Delegations, both at the table, around the process and post agreement. This was explicitly recognised by the Member States in the 2009 EU Concept on Strengthening Mediation and Dialogue that set the ambition of making professional and efficient peace mediation an indispensable tool of the EU. Subsequently, the European External Action Service created a number of mechanism and tools to engage in mediation.


Yet, the concept and practice of peace mediation in the EU’s external relations is often misunderstood, especially in the classic diplomatic context. Moreover, subsequent geopolitical shifts and the related increasing complexity of conflicts have posed challenges to actors such as the EU, UN and OSCE. Some even question the proposition that the peace mediation can be an effective and viable approach for the EU in the current global context.


Developing an understanding of these policy debates within Europe, awareness of specific methodologies and approaches as well as personal mediation skills and competences seeks to bring a more rounded understanding of the global practice of international affairs and diplomacy today.

Professor:  Guy BANIM & Antje HERRBERG

ECTS card

Academic year
2022 - 2023
Semester
Second semester
Course type
Optional courses
ECTS Points
4.50