23.05.2025 Reflecting on Europe's Role in Peacebuilding
As part of the Europe Month 2025 celebrations and the EUPeace Alliance activities, the Center for Conflict Studies at Marburg University was proud to host an inspiring lecture by Dr. Thania Paffenholz on "Critical Reflection on the Role of Europe in Peace Processes" on Tuesday 20 May 2025.
Dr. Paffenholz delivered a compelling and critical lecture on the European Union’s evolving role in global peacebuilding. She unpacked how the EU has positioned itself as a peace actor through policies in foreign affairs, development, and security — while also challenging the effectiveness and assumptions behind these strategies. Her talk offered students valuable insights into how the EU’s peacebuilding efforts are implemented in practice.
With decades of hands-on experience in over 20 peace processes – from Ukraine and Colombia to Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Sudan – Dr. Paffenholz critically examined Europe’s positioning and challenges as a global peace actor. Her work has shaped both academic understanding and real-world diplomacy, through collaborations with the UN, EU, World Bank, and countless civil society groups.
The event raised essential questions about inclusivity, effectiveness, and the evolving role of the EU in global peace efforts – sparking a lively discussion moderated by Prof. Dr. Thorsten Bonacker.
A heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Paffenholz for sharing her expertise, and to all students and colleagues who joined the conversation!
Contact
Stéphane Voell
Mail: voell@uni-marburg.de
