CMI and the EU: A thriving partnership

CMI organised a high-level dialogue in Brussels in January 2024. Photo: Kim Haldin / CMI.

After nearly two decades of collaboration, the relationship between CMI and the EU is flourishing.

In 2023, CMI’s activities with the European Union (EU) expanded and diversified to include new actors and stakeholders, reinforcing the EU as one of CMI’s most important partners.

Over time, CMI has sought to raise its profile in Brussels to highlight and ensure the political relevance of its activities throughout the EU. As an independent actor with more freedom to engage with different conflict parties, CMI adds flexibility to the EU’s peace mediation efforts. In return, the EU lends additional authority to CMI, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

CMI increased its influence on EU policy-making through targeted contributions to the revision of the EEAS Mediation Guidelines and the new 2023 Civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) compact. It also contributed to the development of key EU policies on mediation and conflict resolution through the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office’s (EPLO) Civil Society Dialogue Network.

The Brussels office actively developed CMI’s EU expertise by organising and participating in strategic EU events and meetings such as the European University Institute’s State of the Union and the first EU Schuman Security and Defence Forum.

The provision of targeted strategic analysis further strengthens CMI’s substantial role in shaping the Union’s peacemaking policy. In 2023, CMI provided the EEAS with conflict analysis assessments, mappings, methodological development, training, and capacity building. These were part of an EEAS framework contract on conflict prevention and mediation.

Photo: Kim Haldin / CMI

The annual EU Peace Mediation Community of Practice (CoP) showcases and produces tangible contributions to the EU’s work on conflict resolution, making it a key platform for influencing EU policy and decision-making. At the 2023 CoP, CMI organised and co-organised panels and sat on the Steering Committee, which sets the overall vision for the event and advises on aspects such as content, formats, and participation.

The 2023 CoP was an ideal opportunity to stimulate discussion on themes and regions such as emerging mediation actors, women mediator’s networks, Sudan, Kosovo, and the Sahel-Maghreb region. In other contexts, CMI has highlighted key topics that receive limited attention in Brussels, such as EU enlargement and peacemaking, and the EU’s role as a global peacemaking actor in the changing geopolitical environment.

Beyond influencing policy, CMI works with the EU to support peace processes, closely partnering with EU Special Representatives (EUSR) and Special Envoys. In the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP), CMI’s practical cooperation with the EU has deepened, including efforts to address the ongoing war in Gaza. Since June 2023, CMI has been advising the EUSR for the MEPP as part of a joint project with the European Institute of Peace.

In Afghanistan, CMI seeks to complement the work of the EU Special Envoy’s office and the EU delegation, providing crucial support as international attention has shifted to other regions. With its independent and informal approach, CMI has supported the broader international processes around Afghanistan, focusing on Afghan-led initiatives and solutions.

Photo: Kim Haldin / CM

Furthermore, CMI has actively engaged with the EU to promote women’s agency. Together with the Folke Bernadotte Academy, CMI was invited to support the establishment of the Afghan Women Leaders’ Forum until January 2024. This EU-led initiative aims to involve Afghan women in high-level international discussions on Afghanistan.

In 2023, CMI organised a high-level event in Brussels to bring together women from conflict areas to discuss their political agency in peace processes. Held in cooperation with the Permanent Representations of Finland and Denmark to the EU, the event focused on women’s rights, political participation, protest movements and the use of digital tools in protests.

CMI also contributed to several policy dialogues with EU actors, developing their understanding of the diverse roles of women in peace processes and sharing lessons learned on the practical implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

From shaping policy to contributing to peace processes and promoting agency, CMI continues to be a strategic peacemaking partner for the EU.

This article was published in CMI’s 2023 annual report.