EUTF Legacy Workshop: Analysing Effects and Shaping Future Actions in the Horn of Africa

On December 10^th, 2024, the EUTF Legacy workshop “Analysing Effects and Shaping Future Actions in the Horn of Africa”, took place in Brussels. The event brought together Commission staff and experts from international organisations and academia specialising in migration and forced displacement in the region. 

With the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa entering its final phase, set to conclude in December 2025, this was a key moment to reflect on lessons learned and inform future migration programming.

This in-person EUTF Legacy Workshop served as a valuable space to consolidate and enrich the initial findings of the EUTF-JRC study. It provided an opportunity to validate preliminary results, integrate new insights, and explore recommendations for future programming.

To support capitalisation efforts, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has been working with DG INTPA to conduct the study on “The effects of development cooperation on migration and forced displacement drivers and patterns: lessons learned from the EUTF implementation in the Horn of Africa”.  This study focused on three key areas (identified drivers) namely: employment access, social cohesion & conflict resolution, and migration governance.

A meta-analysis of 47 selected EUTF projects assessed their effectiveness in addressing migration drivers and potential effects on migration patterns. The goal was not to evaluate individual projects but to identify promising approaches, areas with mixed results, and less effective interventions. The study also examined sustainability and monitoring gaps, providing insights for future programming.

Engaging with Implementing Partners: Online Validation Workshops

To refine findings, online validation workshops were held in November and December 2024, with EUTF implementing partners and staff in EU Delegations.

Participants shared their experiences, provided feedback on findings, and discussed ways to improve effectiveness, sustainability, and monitoring of future programmes. An interactive brainstorming session helped gather insights on obstacles and potential solutions, implementation challenges and monitoring improvements. The discussions also included reflections on the overall migration outcomes of EUTF interventions.

Consolidating Insights: The In-Person Workshop

The in-person workshop facilitated structured discussions on the legacy of the EUTF and future migration programming in the Horn of Africa, bringing together experts from international organisations, academia, and key European Commission stakeholders (DG INTPA, DG HOME, EEAS).

Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, provide recommendations, and engage in critical discussions. Working sessions in break out groups focused on lessons learned from the EUTF.

Starting from JRC presentation, participants reflected on both strengths and challenges in the effectiveness and coherence of EUTF interventions. On the positive side, the multi-sector approach and collaboration with local NGOs were highlighted as effective. However, challenges including managing migration interventions at scale, ensuring local ownership, and maintaining coherence across broad programs were identified.

Looking ahead, experts called for clearer objectives in future migration-related development programming. They emphasized the need to support informed migration choices rather than viewing all irregular migration as a challenge. A targeted approach was recommended to address migration issues at their source.

Discussions highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of migration drivers, including economic, climate, and conflict-related factors and policies that integrate migrant needs into broader sectors such as education, health, and development. In addition, long-term studies on migration outcomes, addressing both legal and irregular migration pathways, are needed as well as greater recognition of remittances and gender-sensitive approaches in supporting migrants.

The workshop contributions will help refine the study's analysis and shape its final recommendations. The insights from the JRC study will contribute to future EU migration programmes in the Horn of Africa and beyond, ensuring data-driven decisions and a stronger evidence base for effective interventions.