Research Papers

The paper attempts to explore legitimacy of EU conflict resolution by (re)locating it within global governance system and the consent of local actors. First part argues legitimacy of the EU is currently based on self-proclaimed normative power where introvert claims to distinctiveness increasingly run the risk of Eurocentric/hegemonic practices and dismiss context sensitivity for the local environment. In order to construct legitimacy of CR policies; the EU needs to rely on more than one-sided appreciation of its authority. As the EU engages in renegotiation of social and political order through democratisation, minority rights, statebuilding and economic development, it increasingly displays state-like features in foreign territories. As a part of the fledgling system of global governance, it is argued EU’s legitimacy in CR should be based on three sources: international principles, functional efficiency, and consent of the local addressees. Second part analyses legitimacy of the EU within the context of two protracted conflicts: Kosovo and North Cyprus. Based on field interviews, local news and documentary analysis, the paper takes variety and plurality of local stakeholders’ perceptions into account, local political elite, civil society and public. It is argued selective application of international principles and performance failure to achieve its commitments on the ground challenge legitimacy of EU’s long-term CR policies on moral and performance grounds. The EU is also deprived of the ‘ecumenical value’ of legitimacy as the local actors are increasingly less inclined to consent the European agenda. Final part reflects on three consequences: first the lack of legitimacy has tarnished both the EU’s public authority in conflict zones and local incentives to resolve conflict. Second, it casts doubts on the enlargement policy as a credible and effective tool for CR at the EU’s doorstep.