Implementing the EU Concept on Mediation: Learning from the cases of Sudan and the Great Lakes

The European Union adopted the 'EU Concept on Mediation and Dialogue Capacities' in 2009. However, despite worthwhile aspirations, this has yet to be fully integrated into EU structures and systems and is not widely known. This report assesses the Concept and the role that the EU has played in mediation, and related efforts to resolve crises and consolidate peace and stability, through a detailed analysis of two case studies - Sudan and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

This report concludes that the European Union can play an important role in mediation efforts to prevent or end conflict, but that to do so most effectively it needs to become more coherent and flexible in its approach.