Objectives

Having as its ultimate goal the building of support for conflict prevention in general, and for relevant policy initiatives at EU level in particular, the European Platform seeks to:

- facilitate networking;
- support (the establishment of) national platforms/contacts;
- encourage co-operation and facilitate exchange of information, advocacy and lobbying activities among participating organisations;
- initiate catalysing and innovative activities;
- initiate educational activities;
- initiate media activities;
- enhance capacity and expertise in this field in Europe;
- encourage transatlantic information exchange and co-operation.

Background

In February 1997, the largest-ever public gathering on conflict prevention was held in Amsterdam. The European Conference on Conflict Prevention was hosted by the Dutch National Committee for International Co-operation and Sustainable Development (NCDO), and organised in co-operation with the Liaison Committee of Development NGOs to the European Union. The Amsterdam Appeal, an Action Plan for European leaders, was drawn up.

This Appeal presents terms for an effective EU approach to preventing conflict, and outlines key advocacy issues for NGOs. It stresses the need for participation by a range of actors, including NGOs, and urges coalition-building among NGOs and with national governments and European institutions. At two subsequent meetings, proposals for the establishment of effective coalitions were developed: the outcome is the European Platform for Conflict Prevention and Transformation.

National Platforms

The Platform strives to be an open network of key organisations working in this field, and aims to include participant organisations in all European countries. Optimally, these should be national platforms or networks, such as have already been established - or are being established- in Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Where no such national focal point exists, the Platform aims to support the creation of one. Apart from national platforms, international NGO networks are also invited to participate.

In order to get involved with or find out more about the European Platform for Conflict Prevention and Transformation, please contact Jasmin Nordien at j.nordien@conflict-prevention.net.