The European Union Emergency Trust Fund (EUTF) for stability and addressing the root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa was launched one year ago. It forms a central part of the EU’s emerging response to the migration crisis. At the time of its launch at a high-level summit in Valletta, Malta, both high aspirations and serious concerns were expressed about the trust fund in relation to what it aimed to achieve, how it would work and how it relates to broader shifts in Europe’s approach to both migration and development cooperation.

This paper examines how the trust fund has developed during its first year and the extent to which the initial expectations of the EU and member states – as well as the concerns of civil society and African partners, among others – are proving to be valid.