The discourse and practice of co-development in Europe

The purported intent and the realities of European codevelopment schemes and diaspora initiatives are critically reviewed. The historical evolution of codevelopment from the early, voluntary return programs to aiding development in exchange for less migration is traced, leading to an inventory of the various strategies adopted since the turn of the millennium. Attempts to encourage remittances to pass through formal channels, to redirect these private transfers toward productive investments, and to facilitate skill and knowledge transfers are also evaluated.