The European Union and Tunisia on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding for a “strategic and comprehensive partnership” on irregular migration, economic development and renewable energy.
Speaking at Tunisia’s presidential palace, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal, which aims to “invest in shared prosperity”.
She was joined by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, all of whom were in Tunisia last month to discuss the deal.
“More than ever we need effective cooperation” on migration, said von der Leyen, announcing greater cooperation against “networks of smugglers and human traffickers” and in search and rescue operations.
The EU has been looking at ways to support Tunisia to stem the flow of migrants making a dangerous sea voyage from the North African country hoping to reach Europe.
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Meloni welcomed “a new and important step to deal with the migration crisis” and invited Tunisia’s President Kais Saied to an international migration conference on July 23.
Rutte said both the European Union and “the Tunisian people” would benefit from the deal, noting that the EU is Tunisia’s largest trading partner.
In June, von der Leyen offered Tunisia 105 million euros for measures to curb irregular migration, 150 million euros for emergency aid and 900 million euros for long-term aid.
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But the money would be conditional on approval of the nearly $2 billion loan currently under negotiation with the International Monetary Fund.
Von der Leyen said the EU remains “ready to support Tunisia” and will provide the funds “once the necessary conditions are met”.
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