European Union and Peacebuilding

peace. Only through partnership with local actors can international norms be c- bined with a respect and understanding of local context, and promote the transfer of responsibilities and ownership to the populations concerned. In this work we need to engage with local civil society as well as representatives of media and local business communities. The link between peace, security and development has been widely recognised by the international community, and as a response, the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) was created in 2005. The European Union is committed to actively supporting the work of the Peacebuilding Commission on the basis of its experience, resources and worldwide operability. During the first five years the PBC has brought together all key players on the ground to enable a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding in selected post-c- flict states. In 2010 the progress of the PBC so far will be examined in order to take on board lessons learned for the next steps, ensuring that it can discharge its m- date more effectively and better deliver real progress on the ground. 2010 is also the year for the Review Summit of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) aiming at eradicating poverty. The link between countries affected by fragility and conflict and those lagging most behind in attaining the MDGs indicates clearly the need for stronger ties between security and development efforts.