Summary
The European Institute of Peace (EIP) is a pivotal independent organization dedicated to fostering non-violent conflict resolution and sustainable peace globally. Established in 2014, EIP works to support and enhance the peacebuilding efforts of the European Union and its member states by engaging parties in dialogue, informing peace processes with the needs of affected populations, and advocating for innovative approaches to crisis prevention. Operating across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, EIP serves as a flexible and expert-driven partner, bridging the gap between diplomatic initiatives and on-the-ground realities. Its significance in the industry stems from its unique hybrid model, combining independent agility with diplomatic influence, enabling it to address complex crises and contribute meaningfully to the reduction of violence and the promotion of lasting peace.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The European Institute of Peace's strategic focus is guided by its "Strategic Plan 2023-2025: Creating Conditions for Peace." The Institute aims to:
- Catalyze opportunities for non-violent conflict resolution by engaging parties to conflict in dialogue.
- Ensure that peace processes and agreements are informed by the needs and interests of people affected by violence.
- Encourage European policymakers to invest in creative, non-violent approaches to crisis prevention and resolution.
- Employ a "360-degree approach" that extends beyond mere ceasefires to cultivate conditions for sustainable and positive peace by engaging the entire society affected by violent conflict.
- Identify and leverage openings created by global challenges like climate change and the socio-economic impact of conflicts to advance dialogue, reduce violence, and secure peace agreements.
Specialization Areas
EIP's expertise lies in:
- Mediation and Informal Dialogue: Facilitating conversations between conflicting parties.
- Conflict Prevention and Resolution: Providing practical experience, technical expertise, creative ideas, and policy advice.
- Engagement, Dialogue and Process Design: Overseeing large-scale political engagements and designing comprehensive peace support, sustainable process design, European policy support, and early assessment and action.
- Peace Practice and Innovation (PPI): Focusing on aspects of society less directly involved in high-level talks but directly affected by conflict, through work in Conflict Justice and Reconciliation; Responding to Violent Extremism; Environmental Peace Making; and Gender, Peace and Security.
- Context-Specific Approaches: Understanding nuanced political dynamics and adapting strategies to the unique challenges of each conflict.
Target Markets
EIP is active in over twenty locations globally, with a strong focus on:
- Geographic Regions: The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
- Stakeholders: States, non-state actors, armed groups involved in conflict, European decision-makers, local stakeholders, and the wider conflict resolution and mediation community. The work is demand-driven, informed by careful analysis of political economy, root causes of conflict, and the motives, goals, and core interests of parties.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
The European Institute of Peace operates as a public interest foundation with no profit-making purpose. It is funded through membership fees, project funding from national governments, and the European Commission.
- Total Operating Income (2023): Over 10 million euros.
- Corresponding Expenditures (2023): Over 10 million euros.
- Total Operating Income (2019): Approximately 8 million euros.
The Institute aims for flexible, predictable, and long-term funding to sustain and expand its networks, ensuring connections with hard-to-reach actors and long-term sustainability.
- Major Funding Contributions:
- German Ministry of Foreign Affairs: €2,917,181
- Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: €1,718,474
- Open Society Foundations (OSF)
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO - HQ)
- European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships (EuropeAid HQ)
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
EIP manages over twenty initiatives in various conflict-affected regions globally, driven by its Strategic Plan 2023-2025 to design strategic interventions in complex crises.
- Large-Scale Political Engagements: Managed by the Engagement, Dialogue and Process Facilitation Unit, these initiatives cover:
- Ukraine
- Israel and Palestine
- Afghanistan
- Colombia/Venezuela
- The Great Lakes Region
- Sudan
- The Gulf and Yemen
- Current Thematic Initiatives and Publications:
- Facilitating dialogue in Yemen on water cooperation and southern political platforms.
- Advancing climate-peace-security linkages through research and engagement.
- Disseminating research and enhancing understanding of women's roles and participation in peace processes.
- Tailored Approaches: The Institute applies innovative technical and thematic expertise through tailored approaches to meet the specific requirements of each crisis.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
The European Institute of Peace employs a unique operational structure that combines top-down and bottom-up approaches to peacebuilding, focusing on innovative methodologies rather than proprietary software or AI platforms.
- Engagement, Dialogue and Process Design Unit: This unit focuses on process-led complementary areas including:
- Comprehensive Peace Support: Designing and implementing broad peace initiatives.
- Sustainable Process Design: Ensuring the long-term viability and impact of peace processes.
- European Policy Support: Providing insights and advice to European policymakers.
- Early Assessment and Action: Proactively identifying conflict risks and opportunities for intervention.
- Peace Practice and Innovation Unit (PPI): This unit’s content-led work concentrates on aspects of society less directly involved in talks but directly affected by conflict. Its four key areas are:
- Conflict Justice and Reconciliation: Addressing past grievances and fostering healing.
- Responding to Violent Extremism: Developing strategies to counter violent ideologies.
- Environmental Peace Making: Exploring and leveraging the nexus between environmental issues and conflict.
- Gender, Peace and Security: Promoting inclusivity and gender perspectives in peace processes.
- Methodologies: EIP's innovative approaches involve deep and focused consultation, a strong commitment to context-specificity, and a concentration on achieving short- to medium-term results by leveraging world-class expertise in conflict resolution. The Institute underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of political dynamics and a willingness to experiment with new approaches.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
- Helga-Maria Schmid (President of the Board of Governors): Began her renewable two-year term in January 2024. Prior roles include senior positions in the German Foreign Ministry, Secretary General of the European External Action Service (2016-2020), and Secretary-General of the OSCE (2020-2024). She provides oversight, guidance, and support to senior management.
- Michael Keating (Executive Director): A prominent voice for the Institute, he actively engages in discussions on conflict resolution and peacebuilding, including the role of the private sector in transactional peacemaking.
- Stine Lehmann-Larsen (Deputy Executive Director): Oversees the Engagement, Dialogue and Process Facilitation Unit, managing large-scale political engagements across multiple conflict zones. She has dedicated her career to advancing peacemaking and mediation, having previously worked for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) for eight years. She is also a member of the Nordic Women's Mediator Network and on the Board of the Peace Dividend Initiative.
- Yannick Lilie (Personal Assistant to the Deputy Executive Director and Director of the Engagement, Dialogue and Process Facilitation Unit): Joined EIP in March 2025. He supports work on the Middle East peace process and manages relevant files. His background includes knowledge management at the European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (CoE). He holds a Master's degree in Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies.
The Board of Governors includes representatives from nine European Member States (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, and Sweden), providing strategic, political, and technical support.
Recent Leadership Changes
Helga-Maria Schmid was nominated as the new President of the Board of Governors in January 2024, succeeding Annika Söder. Kai Sauer served in an interim President role until the end of 2023, preceding Helga-Maria Schmid's election.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
The European Institute of Peace is an active organization in the peacebuilding and conflict resolution sectors. Indicative of its operational scale, approximately 70 job roles have been associated with EIP. The Institute has grown significantly over the past decade, evolving from a small Brussels-based team into a global network of experts. As of a December 2025 update, employee numbers were cited within the 11-50 range. EIP's strategic objectives include motivating its team, actively promoting a diverse workforce with equal opportunities, and attracting and retaining high-quality staff and advisors while supporting their performance and professional development.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
The European Institute of Peace maintains an active and strategic social media presence to disseminate its messages and engage with a global audience.
- Platforms: The Institute utilizes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (now X), and YouTube for its communications and campaigns.
- Brand Messaging: EIP promotes collaboration, dialogue, and inclusivity in conflict resolution. This is exemplified by campaigns like "#PeaceTogether" launched on International Peace Day (September 21), which encouraged users to share one-minute videos highlighting peacebuilding efforts.
- Community Engagement: Through its digital presence, EIP engages with its community, sharing insights into its initiatives and research.
- Thought Leadership: Social media is a key channel for EIP to contribute to broader discussions on peacebuilding, conflict analysis, and the role of dialogue.
- Strategic Use: The Institute leverages social media in alignment with modern peacebuilding trends, utilizing it for conflict analysis, promoting inclusion, enhancing transparency, and fostering peace narratives.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
The European Institute of Peace has received some industry acknowledgment, indicated by "Shortlists/Awards • 4." However, specific details regarding the names of these awards or the nature of the shortlistings were not publicly detailed.
