During a one-week course on regional integration, delegates from the Ethiopian Foreign Relations Strategic Studies Institute (EFRSSI) and from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs gained new insights on regional integration processes. By using a comparative approach, studying European and African integration processes side by side, Clingendael could offer the participants the opportunity to actively explore and critically analyse best practices.

Enhancing regional cooperation

This intensive one-week programme proved to be a tailored and comprehensive training, with the aim of promoting and understanding better regional cooperation processes, not only within the Horn of Africa, but also between regional organisations. A trip to the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and the European Union institutions provided the ultimate opportunity to discuss various topics and build new, valuable relationships.

Throughout the programme, the delegates also actively participated in skills training sessions to strengthen their capacities to effectively operate in regional organizations. This included training on analysing, influencing and presenting.

Looking back on a successful week, Clingendael had the opportunity to contribute to the regional integration processes in the Horn of Africa and is looking forward to a follow-up program in Addis Ababa, which will focus on political analysis from a security perspective.