Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – The European Union (EU) has expressed their readiness to increase cooperation with Tunisia in managing migration. This came as a result of a recent meeting between the EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Tunisian President Kais Saied. The meeting explored ways to improve cooperation between the EU and Tunisia to address migration and economic challenges.
In light of the discussions, von der Leyen announced a program to support Tunisia, including up to $1.1 billion for the period 2021-2027. This would support the country’s economic development and job creation efforts, as well as improve border management and security. The EU also pledged to work closely with Tunisia to strengthen the rule of law and human rights.
Tunisia is a key partner for the EU in managing migration from Africa to Europe, with thousands of Tunisian citizens seeking to emigrate to Europe each year. This has put a significant strain on Tunisia’s economy and social fabric, exacerbating existing challenges such as youth unemployment and poverty. The EU has been working with Tunisia over the past few years to address these issues, but more needs to be done.
This latest agreement marks a significant step forward in the EU’s efforts to manage migration and support Tunisia. As von der Leyen noted, “We want to step up our cooperation on migration with Tunisia. It is a country that is facing many challenges, and it deserves our support.”
The EU’s support to Tunisia includes development and investment programs, education, and training, as well as support for civil society. In addition, the EU will provide technical assistance to improve the management of migration flows, including border management and security.
The agreement has been welcomed by stakeholders in Tunisia, who view it as an important step towards addressing the country’s underlying challenges. According to Tunisian politician Amira Yahyaoui, “We welcome the EU’s support for Tunisia, especially at this critical time. This funding will help us address the root causes of migration and strengthen our economy, while also ensuring that human rights and the rule of law are respected.”
The EU-Tunisia agreement serves as a reminder that cooperation and mutual support are essential to addressing migration and economic challenges in Africa. It represents a principled and pragmatic approach to addressing these issues, and it is an important step forward in building a more prosperous and stable future for Africa and Europe.
