The European Union has become one of the world's most important institutions in the fields of human rights and conflict resolution. Until very recently, however, the field of transitional justice was largely absent from EU policy. This has begun to change, particularly in connection with the EU's evolving role in conflict prevention and crisis management.

In recent years the ICTJ has worked closely with key EU institutions. In 2006 the Center organized a comprehensive seminar for the Political and Security Committee. In addition, it made presentations before the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management in both 2006 and 2007, and it has partnered with various presidencies in the organization of high-level events and conferences. In collaboration with the European Commission the ICTJ has organized a number of technical seminars for the Directorate-General on External Relations. We regularly provide technical assistance to several Directorates-General on issues ranging across the full transitional-justice spectrum. The ICTJ has appeared at numerous hearings at the European Parliament, including a special session dedicated to transitional justice at the Subcommittee on Human Rights in 2006.

Ultimately the ICTJ is committed to supporting the EU's short- and long-term efforts to promote and apply best practices in transitional justice in its principal spheres of action. Given its commitment to the core values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, the EU can make a uniquely significant contribution to the global advancement of transitional justice.