EU pledges 900 million euros to Tunisia

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged extensive financial support to Tunisia, along with efforts to strengthen the partnership and agree upon a migration limitation agreement.

Financial Support for Tunisia

During negotiations between the EU and Tunisia, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged 900 million euros in aid to the North African country. She mentioned that these funds could be made available once an agreement with the country was signed.

Important Partnership

Von der Leyen was accompanied by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on her visit to Tunisia. The country, which is facing a deep economic crisis, is an important partner for the EU in limiting migration.

Immediate Budgetary Assistance

According to the plans, in addition to the financial aid, the EU could immediately provide Tunisia with 150 million euros in budgetary assistance, stated von der Leyen. She described the visit as "an important milestone in the relationship" with Tunisia. Meloni said the planned memorandum could be completed before the European Council meeting at the end of the month.

Focus on Migration Issues

Besides financial support, von der Leyen also mentioned that topics such as modernizing the EU's trade agreement with Tunisia, a partnership in renewable energy, and migration were discussed. Both sides have a strong interest in "breaking the cynical business model of smugglers and human traffickers." They are working together to create an "operational partnership to combat human smuggling."

Border Management Support

The EU will provide Tunisia with 100 million euros this year for border management and search-and-rescue operations.

Tunisia Rejects Role as Border Police

Tunisian President Kais Saied said on Saturday that migrants were "victims of a global system," which treats them as numbers rather than humans. The country cannot be "the guardian of their countries," as some countries would like to see.

Credit Support

Meloni assured Saied of further support so that Tunisia would receive the credit pledged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2022 of 1.9 billion US dollars. The release of this fund awaits approval from the IMF board.

Increased Migrant Traffic to Italy

Italy received more migrants from or passing through Tunisia this year than it has in years. In April, it declared a "migration emergency" as a result. Italy has repeatedly called for the IMF to release the credit to stabilize the North African country.