This discussion paper explores the politics, implementation and impact of the European Union’s Migration Partnership Framework (MPF), more than one year on from its establishment. It examines the motivations and high expectations of those who support the MPF, the concerns and doubts of those who oppose it, and the experiences of those involved in implementing it. The paper asks to what extent initial expectations and concerns are proving valid and what, in fact, have been the operational and political impacts of this partnership framework.