Jean-Claude Juncker and Jean Asselborn in conversation Peace as a mission in European and international politics

In today’s world, international conflict and war dominate political, media, and societal discussions. Yet, the topic of peace remains largely absent from these conversations. In this debate with Jean-Claude Juncker and Jean Asselborn, we will explore to what extent European and international politics can still be considered peace-driven.

Europe, originally conceived as a peace project after the Second World War, has seen this vision gradually fade over the past decades. The civil war in Yugoslavia, Russia’s recent aggression against Ukraine and conflicts in the Near East have brought the question of peace back to the forefront. We will examine why peace, as a foundational principle of European politics, has slowly receded from the political agenda and how the EU is prepared to re-incorporate visions of peace into its policies today.

Furthermore, we will discuss the role of international institutions such as the UN, NATO, OSCE, and the International Court of Justice in “peace enforcement”, “peacebuilding”, and “peace prevention”. The discussion will also address diplomacy’s role and the various possibilities for intervention – from peace negotiations and conventions to mediation and military involvement.

The conversation will be moderated by historian Mohamed Hamdi and Claude D. Conter. It will take place in Luxembourgish, with a live translation into English.