Flying the flag
The European Union may set up a new volunteering organisation, the European Peace Corps, after the European Parliament adopted a resolution on democracy building in external relations in the EU.
Item 17 calls on the council, Commission and Member States “to consider the establishment of a volunteer European Peace Corps, while taking into account the positive experience of the European Voluntary Service (EVS).” The resolution was first suggested by ALDE but has broad support in the European Parliament, becoming part of a composite resolution being tabled by the Greens/ALE, S&D, ECR, EPP and ALDE groups.
The American Peace Corps was set up in 1961 and over 200,000 individuals have joined, usually serving for two years all over the world, including Eastern Europe. It has three goals;
- To help the people of interested countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained workers
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans
Replace the word American with European and it is easy to see why this idea would find support. The issue is at a very early stage and, so far, there has been little discussion or consultation about the aims and reach of the proposed EPC.
Some development professionals are cautious, pointing to a perceived lack of results from volunteers and there have been instances where Peace Corps have been imposed on communities, often with no clear role.
The EVS has a good reputation and experience in selecting projects and has structures that could influence a model. Others point towards the British Voluntary Service Overseas as an possible inspiration. Whilst the Peace Corps often send recent graduates, VSO look for people with at least two years professional experience and use them to fill vacancies on behalf of host governments.
UK Liberal MEP, Graham Watson says “In practice, the EU often uses NGOs to supply civilian volunteers in area where peace building is needed; currently we have quite a few in Indonesia, for example. Some of us feel that a more structured peace corps, along the lines of the German model, might increase Europe’s capacity to assist.”
The Lisbon Treaty, in Article 214.5 states “In order to establish a framework for joint contributions from young Europeans to the humanitarian aid operations of the Union, a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps shall be set up. The European Parliament and the Council, acting by means of regulations in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, shall determine the rules and procedures for the operation of the Corps.”
It is not yet clear if there will be two corps or if the parliament is merely encouraging the Lisbon provision. ECHO is working on the EVHAR in the new year, using their experience, but the implication that this is only for the ‘young’ could be a drawback as many older people, including retirees, are seen as the most valuable recruits to development work. we will find out early next year.
I am graduate of European Studies: International Relations from the University of Wolverhampton (1992). At that time, the course was structured around the E.E.C. and the possibility of its development into a larger, stronger and more effective body. Today we have the E.U.!
Even though I was born and educated in the U.K., I have lived in a number of countries such as Japan, Senegal, France and The Republic of Niger. my parents were Diplomats and also Nigerian.
In recent years, I have been consulting for the Nigerian parliament on ”International Matters” and as a result have been working in the areas of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. This is an subject that I consider to be critical with regards to the future and stability of the West African Sub-Region.
Today in Nigeria there is the issue of the Niger-Delta economic devastation and there are disgruntled minority groups in the North; i.e. Fulanis in Plateau State, Katafs in Kaduna State etc… We are surrounded by neighbouring countries who have literally ‘Struck Gold’ with the discovery of new mineral resources and Presidents who are nearing the completion of their constitutionally mandated terms of office and are not really well disposed to leaving office. These Presidents seem likely to manipulate their constitutions which their various opposition movements will surely rile against. That is the prognosis for the Sub-region and it is already starting to manifest itself. It is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’.
In view of this, I see the creation of the European Peace Corps as a very positive move, especially if it is structured correctly and a clear role is defined. Points 2 and 3 of the American Peace Corps goals say it all. From my experience of Africa, so far, I feel The motive, impact and legitimacy of the E.U. is not being felt. However, with the development of a Corps that would address these deficiencies and go beyond the case of mere ”Funding’ , that would work closely with local and ”highly” experienced hands and set up a mechanism that would effec the desired impact, things will change.
If any American organisation was to drop a toothpick anywhere in Africa, that effect is instantaniously felt. Why? The machinery!!!
This initiative cannot be sole for the youth. There needs to be a balance, if not it will fail.
I Look forward to hearing more about the EPC.
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