Development & Objectives: AEI was founded in 2003 by the Federal Ministry of Finance and approved by the European Commission as „fully mandated body“. The AEI was created as an inter-ministerial platform to support projects and activities in new and future Member States of the European Union (EU) with Austrian expertise and knowledge. AEI has successfully conducted more than 180 leveraged international projects with a total volume of over 200 million € since it’s inception, acting as lead as well as junior partner. With the active involvement in development, counselling services and training activities and research, AEI supports the end-to-end project-cycle. AEI represents a professional interface between its members, relevant Ministries and public bodies, stakeholders in international public administration and policy, research and businesses. As implementing agency representing Austria at the EUNIDA (European Network for Implementing Development Agencies), the mandate of AEI evolved to support international development activities on behalf of the EU. AEI has acted as vice president of EUNIDA twice, until the liquidation of the EUNIDA due to a thorough reform process in 2017. AEI’s mission: *Support of partner states in the establishment of efficient public administrations *Fostering cooperation between stakeholders and administrations between Austria and partner states *Promotion, training and vocational education of public officials of partner states *Promotion of international experience in economics, trade, science, arts and culture *Other assistance measures important to partner states