The EU and Institution Building in East Africa: Towards a Better Understanding. College of Europe Policy Brief #14.18, November 2018

> The majority of the Eastern African Community (EAC) countries, which gained independence in the 1960s, have experienced intrastate and interstate conflicts, based on ethnic clashes and disparities in economic wealth and political power. > As a consequence, state institutions across the entire East and Central African region are underdeveloped. > To tackle the challenge of weak institutions, the European Union (EU), together with international partners, is involved in institution-building initiatives in the East and Central Africa region. > Despite a variety of initiatives, the EU faces multiple challenges on the ground, mostly related to a lack of understanding of local institutional and cultural dynamics. These challenges have undermined the effectiveness of its activities. > To make its engagement more effective in the future, and in line with the spirit of the EU’s Global Strategy, the EU should prioritise projects incorporating regional solutions, focus on service delivery and capacity-building programmes while more actively supporting civil society in the region