First, as regards the origins and triggering factors of integrations processes in the two regions, there are clear differences: •  In Europe, the traumatic experiences of the Great Depression and the Second World War gave an impetus for the integration process and the experience of the German hyperinflation had far-reaching impact on the nature of integration in the area of monetary policy.
•  In Africa, the first steps in economic integration were taken shortly after the bulk of the countries gained their independence. Some limited advances were made in subsequent decades within regional blocs, but the integration process was largely put on hold for over a quarter of a century owing to conflicts, which in part were driven by divisive forces of the Cold War.