The European Commission will soon propose a legislative initiative on responsible sourcing of minerals originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas...In order to galvanize and maximize the European Parliament’s influence on the decision making process, two MEPs, Catherine Bearder(ALDE) and Judith Sargentini(Greens/EFA), Piotr Kaczynski (EPP political advisor) will participate in a mission to the Great Lakes Region (Rwanda-DRC-Burundi) from the 26 October to 2 November 2013...Any initiative that does not fit the reality and needs on the ground will fail to have a positive impact. Therefore it is of paramount importance for decision-makers to be fully informed of the complexity and dynamics of the current local situation. The mission presents an opportunity for the MEPs to consult with a range of local actors in Kigali, Goma, Bukavu and Bujumbura, and visit mining sites (North and South Kivu), with a view to developing a framework that will allow for the development of the envisaged EU initiative to be as well-informed as possible.