Brussels, 14/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - The complex causes of conflict and possible peace solutions - in areas ranging from the Balkans to Cyprus, from the Middle East to the former Soviet Union - are the focus of five EU research projects launched by the European Commission. Up until now, scholars have mainly analysed economic and political tensions, as the main roots of conflict. The new EU studies will go beyond this approach and take into consideration other elements, such as social and psychological factors.
Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin commented: "With an improved understanding of what causes conflict, we will be better equipped to help solve the problems that lead to war. Research is only one part of a complex response to complex issues, but the international tensions we face today are a compelling argument in support of greater efforts in this field."
The five projects, funded under the EU Fifth Research Framework Programme, involve 53 teams in 14 EU Member States (Luxembourg is not participating) and 9 candidate countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Turkey) as well as Israel, for a budget of around EUR 4,280,000.