MAG Europe

In 2024, MAG established a pivotal presence in Brussels with the launch of MAG Europe, a dedicated hub designed to strengthen our engagement with European institutions and Member States. This step reinforces our commitment to aligning humanitarian mine action and armed violence reduction with the European Union’s growing focus on peace, security, and humanitarian values.

Led by Hélène Kuperman, MAG Europe ensures our advocacy resonates across EU institutions and contributes to a safer, more stable future for communities affected by conflict and violence.

Our presence in Brussels enables us to connect operational expertise with EU policy and funding processes – particularly at a time when the EU is responding to unprecedented global challenges, including the return of war to Europe and the highest number of conflicts since World War II.

MAG Europe’s advocacy is grounded in the evidence of our global operations and in accountability to the communities we serve. We are working to ensure that EU policies on mine action and arms control are principled, practical, and responsive to the needs on the ground. We continue to call for an updated EU mine action strategy that reflects both legacy contamination and emerging threats.

Since opening our office, we have significantly deepened our engagement with EU institutions. MAG has joined the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) to collaborate with other like-minded organisations and amplify our shared objectives. We have contributed to civil society dialogues, policy forums, and advocacy efforts related to EU funding and external action. We’ve also initiated targeted discussions with key policymakers to promote increased EU support for humanitarian mine action and arms control.

MAG’s work complements the EU’s peace and security agenda by addressing the humanitarian impact of explosive ordnance, contributing to recovery and peacebuilding, supporting the implementation of international treaties, and empowering affected communities. We advocate for EU policies that are informed by those most affected and that uphold international humanitarian law and human rights standards.

MAG Europe contributes to EU and international commitments on disarmament, including the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Arms Trade Treaty. Our operational presence in conflict-affected contexts enables us to support the EU’s leadership in arms control, humanitarian disarmament, and comprehensive approaches to peace.

The establishment of MAG Europe marks a major step forward in our mission. By working closely with EU institutions and partners, we aim to increase visibility, influence policy, and strengthen global support for humanitarian disarmament, ensuring more lives are saved and communities can rebuild in peace.