EU external action

Towards conflict sensitivity

The European Union has a responsibility to mainstream conflict sensitivity into all aspects of its external action – particularly development co-operation – if it is to be seen as a global actor aiming to ‘preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security’ (Lisbon Treaty; Art. 21.2). This briefing sets out some of the practical steps EU actors can take to ensure their interventions and good intentions support peace-building, rather than inadvertently fuelling conflict.

This briefing was produced by Saferworld as part of the  Initiative for Peacebuilding Early Warning project (IfP-EW). To learn more about this project, visit: www.ifp-ew.eu

“Security/conflict sensitive assessments and conflict analysis [should be carried out] in the preparation of country and regional strategies and programmes.” ”

European Council Conclusions on Security and Development, 2007