The European Institute of Peace was officially presented on monday the 12th: an independent foundation aiming at resolving international controversies, in and out the European Union. Strongly supported by Sweden, the institution is funded by nine EU Member States: together with the Nordic kingdom, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and Hungary. With the exception of Spain, those countries will pile up to €3m for the first year of activities, then the foundation will fund itself with public and private donations. The President of the Board of Governors of the EIP will be the Italian-Swedish Staffan de Mistura, formerly at the UN and Deputy Foreign Minister in Italy, were he became famous for being in charge of the negotiations with New Delhi for the release of the Italian riflemen still in the hands of Indian justice. Still a respectable name, yet. The most ‘marketable’ name by both Italy and Sweden in this context, for allowing an Italian diplomat to be the leader of such an important institution. “De Mistura is extremely experienced and competent,” said the Italian Foreign Minister during the joint press conference.
A stylized dove recalling origamis together with three stars are the symbol of the Institute, whose existence is not very clear to most people. Journalists at the press conference took the occasion to ask other things to the Foreign Ministers, yet “We would rather talk about the EIP, or the news about the Institute could get lost among other issues,” said De Mistura. A US journalist was quite perplexed: “Don’t you think there are already too many institutions?”
“The Institute is a tool for promoting peace through informal dialogue and mediation activities,” replied De Mistura, committed in removing doubts and perplexities more than promoting “his” creature. The EIP will act in partnership with the European Union and the Member States governments, yet acting on its own accord. “The EIP is an ambitious way to advance EU capacities and augment the diplomatic toolkit of Europe,” assured De Mistura. Words intended to dissipate doubts, yet feeding them: the toll seems the definitive ratification of the EU deficiencies in terms of foreign policy.
The Institute will be fully operational next year, when 20-25 professionals and experts will be hired to support the temporary team. At the beginning of 2015 the Institute will have one director, three managers, eight advisors, and four administrative staff. The news is, the EIP will act as an NGO. What a pity to have the representatives of the governments supporting the institution into the Board of Governors, then. Moreover, the Board could be widened to up to fifteen components.
According to De Mistura, “Institute is not only a useful initiative, it is necessary.”
So far, it is a bet for sure.
