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„The most prominent accolade and confirmation of our work’s merit is our ever-growing network on both national as well as international level. More and more stakeholders are willing to put their trust in AEI and deem our agency to be a reliable and competent partner. We would be delighted to have you join our network.“
Heidrun Windberger-Zanetta is the managing director of the AEI. After earning her degree in politics, she devoted her entire career to fostering European integration. She has personally supervised more than 250 projects, and as Secretary General is responsible for AEI for becoming one of Europe’s most successful agencies when it comes to capacity building and leading new member countries.
The AEI – Agency for European Integration and Economic Development – was founded in 2003 to create a well-networked and dynamic coordination platform for the Austrian participation of public bodies in nationally and internationally funded projects. In the spring of 2003, the European Commission granted the AEI the status of a “fully mandated body”, which enables it to take part in all of the projects advertised without restriction.
Since then, more than 250 international projects in 38 countries with a funding volume of more than 220 million euros have been successfully completed via the AEI. The AEI has participated both as a lead and as a partner in national and international projects that are financed by well-known funding organizations.
The AEI had been the Austrian representation of EUNIDA (European Network of Implementing Development Agencies) since 2008 and was unanimously confirmed again in the role of Vice-Presidency, as in 2013. The AEI held this role until the dissolution of the organization due to a far-reaching reform process in 2017.
Supporting partner countries in setting up efficient public administrations.
Promotion of international experiences as well as professional training of public employees of the Austrian administration.
Intensification of the technical cooperation between the decision-makers of the partner states and the Austrian administration.
Promoting relations in business, science, research, art, and culture.
Promotion of basic and advanced training for civil servants in partner countries.
Support measures in the interest of the partner states.
