Tunisia: “Gulf”

The European Union is in cautious and difficult negotiations with Tunisia in an effort to reach a final agreement on a comprehensive cooperation memorandum aimed at combating irregular migration and people-smuggling gangs in return for a financial aid package. To revive the economy.

In Friday’s debates, the European Council devoted progress to negotiations on the memorandum, which includes cooperation in the energy and investment sectors and financing of more than one billion euros.

On the point about Tunisia in the final report, the European Council welcomed the work done with Tunisia on a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership package, economic development, investment and trade, green energy transition, migration and people-to-people relations.

The Council also indicated its support for the resumption of political dialogue in the context of the Association Agreement between the EU and Tunisia, and stressed the importance of developing and fostering similar strategic partnerships between the EU and partners in the region.

“I am very pleased to have been able to reach a consensus from the entire European Council on how to approach the relationship with Tunisia,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told a press conference following the council meeting. The European Commission is expected to sign a comprehensive partnership package deal with Tunisian authorities after the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Meloni added, “What we are doing with Tunisia will be a model for the relationship between the EU and North African countries.”

The official position of authorities in Tunisia on the memorandum is unclear, as details of the settlement agreement have not been made public. However, Tunisia has reportedly requested more time to study the terms of the memorandum.

Human rights organizations in Tunisia have criticized the course of the negotiations. As this would further restrict freedom of movement, it threatens the local community in Sfax with a large concentration of stranded migrants without clear solutions for their future. (agencies)