The link between EU's internal and external security, the lack of understanding of the local or cultural context when it comes to EU's actions regarding development or state-building and the lack of will on the part of Member States to step away from their individual interest and to build joint capacity will be examined in order to assess ways for the EU to increase its standing and leverage in conflict prevention. This hearing will serve as input to the upcoming AFET Recommendation on "EU preventive diplomacy in tackling frozen conflicts around the world, missed opportunity or change for the future."