Tunisia and the European Union have signed a "strategic partnership” deal aimed at addressing the migration crisis and curbing the activities of human traffickers on July 16, Reuters reported. The agreement comes in the wake of a significant increase in the number of boats departing from Tunisia to Europe. As part of the deal, the EU has pledged substantial aid to Tunisia, totaling €1 bn ($1.12 bn), which will be used to revive the country's economy, stabilise state finances, and tackle the migration challenge. However, the disbursement of most funds is conditional upon Tunisia implementing necessary economic reforms.
Our teams have worked very hard to deliver rapidly on a strong package, which is an investment in our shared prosperity, stability and in future generations.
It is built on 5 pillars ↓ https://t.co/xYKDk3tisJ
The agreement encompasses various measures, including disrupting the operations of smugglers and traffickers, strengthening border control, and improving registration and repatriation processes. These steps are essential for intensifying efforts to combat irregular migration, as highlighted by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Twitter. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens further announced that the EU will allocate €100 mn to Tunisia specifically for combating illegal migration. Additionally, the deal emphasises the promotion of macroeconomic stability, trade, investment, green energy transition, and legal immigration.
Tunisia has faced an unprecedented migration crisis, with thousands of undocumented African migrants flocking to the city of Sfax in recent months, aiming to embark on traffickers' boats bound for Europe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed satisfaction with the partnership, viewing it as a significant step towards a comprehensive collaboration between Tunisia and the EU to address the migration challenges effectively. Meloni also mentioned an upcoming international conference on migration in Rome, scheduled for July 23, where heads of state, including Tunisian President Kais Saied, would participate.
Official data revealed that by July 14, approximately 75,065 boat migrants had reached Italy, surpassing the figure of 31,920 for the same period the previous year. More than half of these departures originated from Tunisia, surpassing Libya as the primary launchpad for migration to Europe. President Saied recently emphasised that Tunisia would not serve as Europe's border guard.
Earlier, Daryo mentioned that politicians in the European Parliament have expressed reservations about Tunisia's democratic status, urging caution in granting the country a partnership deal without thorough consideration. They fear that Tunisia's democracy could deteriorate, and have raised concerns about providing unwavering support. Multiple Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voiced their criticism of the pact, underscoring the need to prioritize the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Comments (0)