Since 2001, the prevention of violent conflicts has turned into a priority of the European Union's external policy. In addition to new operational competences developed under the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the European Union is particularly suited to combating the root causes of conflicts spreading throughout the world. It is noteworthy that the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, signed in Rome on 29 October 2004, proposes to insert the prevention of conflicts in the Constitution. In 25 original essays written by both practitioners and scholars from European institutions, international organisations, universities and NGOs, this book proposes to explore and scrutinize the progress achieved by the European Union in the definition of a concrete conflict prevention strategy, as well as the challenges it still faces. In particular, the book dwells on the following issues: the definition of and indicators for conflict prevention; institutional and financial dimensions of conflict prevention; EU instruments for the prevention of violent conflicts; structural conflict prevention and the mainstreaming of conflict prevention into EU policies; and cooperation with other international organisations and other actors, such as NGOs and the private sector.

With a Foreword by Paul J.G. Kapteyn, Former President of Chamber at the Court of Justice of the European Communities Important practical and theoretical issues remain to be explored and discussed in respect of the so-called three pillars of the European Union (European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy, Police and Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters) in relation to international law. In practical examples, developed in 25 original essays written by both practitioners and scholars from European institutions and universities, this book seeks to stimulate discussion on relations and conflicts between the EU and international legal orders. Current issues are addressed including the suspension of rights of Member States in international organisations, the definition of the precautionary principle under WTO and EC law, the UN Convention against transnational organised crime, and the participation of the EU; the EU and its involvement in international humanitarian law, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights related to international instruments. Although changing, the relationship between the European Union and international law has not given rise to many publications - this book seeks to establish a dialogue between EU lawyers and international lawyers, in order to focus on the relationship between EU and international law.