Expert Panel Discussion: Enhancing the Participation of Civilian Experts from Southeastern European Countries in Peace Operations

Expert Panel Discussion: Enhancing the Participation of Civilian Experts from Southeastern European Countries in Peace Operations

(Upon separate invitations only)

(organised by Belgrade Center for Security Policy)

Discussion Topics:

• Why are civilian capacities (CIVCAP) for peace operations important?
• What are the incentives for the use of CIVCAP in peace operations?
• What are the national niches for civilian capacities?
• What are key lessons learned from participation of civilians in peace operations?
• What should Western Balkans countries do to enhance their CIVCAP?
• How can CIVCAP contribute to the EU integration process?

Background

Participation of civilian experts in international peace support operations has not been particularly high on the agenda among political elites. Most Southeastern European (SEE) countries have adopted the first generation of laws enabling participation of military nd police in peace operations, but in order to strengthen and broaden civilian participation in peacekeeping operations many countries are searching for new legal solutions.

Public still believed such missions had been in the purview of military and they are not fully grasping the importance of civilian personnel in such missions. Moreover, political will is a strong incentive which would initiate involvement of civilians in stability and governance building aspects. In addition to political initiative, improvements are required in pre-deployment education and financing of operations. Consequently, certain resources need to be redirected, in case additional civilians are involved.

Selected Readings

1. Bogdanovski, Andreja. Civilian Capacities for Peace Operations Case Study – Finland. Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, 2016.
2. Bosanac, Gordan. Analysis of the Proposed Law on Civilian Expert Participation in International Missions and Operations. Belgrade: Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, 2016.
3. Bosanac, Gordan. Civilian Capacities for Peace Operations Case Study – Germany. Belgrade: Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, 2016.
4. Hadzovic, Denis. A,B,C Deployment of Civilian Capacities to International Peace Operations. Belgrade: Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, 2016.
5. Hylke Dijkstra, Petar Petrov, and Ewa Mahr. “Reacting to Conflict: Civilian Capabilities in the EU, UN and OSCE,” EU-CIVCAP Report, DL4.2. 2016.
6. Hadzovic, Denis. Civilian Capacities for Peace Operations Case Study – The Netherlands. Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, 2016.
7. Zivkovic, Uros. Civilian Capacities for Peace Operations Case Study – Slovenia. Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, 2016.
8. Bogdanovski, Andreja. Macedonia’s Preparations for Civilian Contribution to Peace Operations: the Next Big Thing After the Withdrawal From Afghanistan, Journal of Regional Security (2014), 9:2, 127–144.
9. Bosanac, Gordan. Croatian Civil Capacities for Peace Missions and Operations, Journal of Regional Security (2014), 9:2, 111–126.
10. Dizdarevic, Emsad. Civil Capacities for Peace Support Operations: The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Journal of Regional Security (2014), 9:2, 93–109.
11. Duro, Foto. Shoulder to Shoulder: Albania’s Civilian Capacities In Support Of Capacity Development Abroad, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy and Institute for Democracy and Mediation (2014).
12. Karlsrud, John and Milosevic, Marko. Mapping Western Balkans Civilian Capacities for Peace Operations, Journal of Regional Security (2014), 9:2, 79–92.
13. Milosevic, Marko and Elek, Bojan. Serbian Civilian Capacities for Peace Operations:The Untapped Potential, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (2014).
14. Sosic, Marko. Montenegrin Civilian Capacities for Peace Operations: Will Without Means? Journal of Regional Security (2014), 9:2, 145–164.
15. Woodhouse, Tom. Civilian Involvement in Peacekeeping Operations in the Western Balkans, Journal of Regional Security (2014), 9:2, 77–78. 

Speakers:

Gordan Bosanac‚ Chief Analyst, Centre For Peace Studies – CMS, Croatia

Ivana Boštjančič Pulko‚ Project Manager and Researcher, Centre for European Perspective – CEP, Slovenia

Sebastian Dworack‚ Head of the International Capacity Development Team, Centre for International Peace Operations – ZIF, Germany

Sokol Bega‚ Deputy Head of Reporting and Political Analysis Unit, OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine