Debate: Role of preventive diplomacy in tackling frozen conflicts around the world – missed opportunity or change for the future?
Date: TUESDAY, 16 JANUARY 2024
Speaker: Željana Zovko
Language: EN

First of all, I would like to thank my colleagues, shadow rapporteurs from other political groups for their serious and constructive approach during the negotiations on this report. With the Russian war against Ukraine, we have a war that is threatening our countries as well. The war in the Middle East and the situation in the Red sea are a clear reminder that we have set aside all these conflicts without addressing the consequences that we have to be dealing with – from Ukraine to Venezuela, from the South Caucasus to the Western Balkans, crises are popping up and seeking immediate response, for which we need strong coordination in this current, weakened, multilateral world.  Ten years after the establishment of the European External Action Service, discussions are still ongoing about the lack of a single voice related to the EU’s external policy and the European Union’s global role. Political leaders have still not found the visionary approach to start building that railroad to prevent conflicts, to fully align and act as a caretaker of the tragedies that we are facing in this volatile world. The global order is changing rapidly. Emerging powers are confronting traditional players. New technologies and further global globalisation are leading to increased international competition. In recent years, our achievements have deteriorated, our presence weakened, and our actions left without concrete results. Just think about the Western Balkans, Africa, the South Caucasus, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and the Middle East that encouraged other actors to take advantage of our lack of interest, putting themselves in an active and malign role in our own backyard.  Dear colleagues, we have to ask ourselves the question why has the EU failed on preventing violent outbursts throughout the years? Exactly this thought was on my mind when I initiated this parliamentary report in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, with the intention of launching a ‘lessons learned’ exercise on the European efforts in preventive diplomacy over the years.  The report is based on the need to improve the visibility of the European Union in this field of analysis, with six main areas that can be upgraded and improved for the prevention of conflicts around the world. It emphasises the importance to learn from missed opportunities and draw lessons from past experiences. The text also reiterates that the key focus should be on strengthening the EU early warning system, advocating proactive risk analysis and continuous evaluation to improve effectiveness, underscoring the need for interventions tailored to specific contexts.  The report highlights the importance of aid responding to countries’ unique cultural, historical and political contexts. It points out that it is crucial to take into account the local cultural and historical background when appointing EU special representatives and envoys to avoid controversies in conflict areas and their role as impartial mediators.  Furthermore, the need for a thorough evaluation of their work is emphasised, including the European Parliament’s supervision of their initiatives, results and contribution to preventive diplomacy. Despite being the largest donor of development aid, the results of this investment in public diplomacy are almost insignificant and often overridden by false narratives presented by other major powers present in developing countries.  The adopted text also emphasises that international coordination in conflict prevention is crucial and calls on the EU to strengthen cooperation with other organisations on this issue. My hope is that all these recommendations will bring the European Union one step closer to becoming a more visible actor in conflict prevention and resolution worldwide.  The fear of conflict is easy to be put to flame again if the seed of hope does not replace the flame of hatred that is left behind, and rebuilding bridges and finding solutions for frozen conflicts and unhealed grievances is the seed for preventing future wars and tragedies. I count on your support.