Conflict Sensitivity Briefing

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 explains what conflict sensitivity means, and 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.