History:
In order to support European efforts to respond to global peace challenges, the Foreign Ministers of Sweden and Finland in 2010 launched an initiative for a European Institute of Peace.
Following consultations with European governments, international conflict resolution organisations, European Union insitutions, and senior experts on peace and security, the statutes for the EIP were signed on 18 February 2014.
On 5 May 2014 the inaugural meeting of the Board of Governors took place with participation of the founding members: Belgium, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Mr. Staffan de Mistura was appointed President of the Board and immediately took up his duties. Subsequently, Ambassador Marc Otte was elected Vice President.
The Institute was launched by Foreign Ministers of the member states and the President of the Board at a press conference on 12 May 2014.
Mission:
The European Institute of Peace (EIP) is a new initiative at the heart of Europe with a global scope. The EIP is an independent partner to the European Union and Europe, augmenting its global peace agenda through mediation and informal dialogue. The Institute pursues multi-track diplomacy and acts as a flexible, external tool in support of EU mediation efforts where the EU has limited freedom to act. It also serves as an operational hub, and connects existing expertise and shares knowledge and lessons on European mediation.
What they do:
The European Institute of Peace (EIP) fills the need for a flexible and external tool in support of the EU, complementing the set of instruments at the EU’s disposal in mediation and dialogue. EIP engages directly or in a supportive function in mediation where the EU has limited freedom or ability to act. It serves as an operational hub, connecting existing expertise, drawing on resources available throughout Europe. EIP experts provide advice and make European experiences and knowledge in mediation more accessible to European policy makers and practitioners. The Institute supports engagement and build-up of capacity in mediation and dialogue, including conflict analysis, training and facilitation.
