On Thursday 2 October, the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, praised Tunisia’s efforts to combat illegal migration from its territory to the EU.
“As far as migration is concerned, I appreciate Tunisia’s efforts to prevent irregular migration, which have led to an 80% reduction in irregular departures in 2024 compared to 2023, and, of course, to combat smugglers”, Ms Šuica stressed at a press conference with the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Nafti, in Carthage.
The minister recalled Tunisia’s “firm and principled position, which rejects the fact that it is a country of transit or residence for irregular migrants”, adding that his country was bearing the consequences of a regional and international situation “which has led to the exacerbation of the phenomenon of irregular migration, and that (his) country has never been one of the reasons for this phenomenon”.
The Commissioner promised that the EU would continue to support global cooperation on migration management, protection and mobility. This subject is part of the agreement signed in mid-July 2023 (see EUROPE 13224/3) and will be one of the pillars of the Pact for the Mediterranean, which is due to be presented in mid-October.
During the meeting, Ms Šuica also focused on trade and investment. “The EU is already the biggest investor in Tunisia”, said the Commissioner, adding that the 3,000 to 4,000 European companies operating in Tunisia generate 400,000 jobs.
She stated that the agreement, signed two years ago, had led to “€5 billion of investment in Tunisia by European companies” and that “€600 million of direct aid has been allocated to Tunisia, its authorities and public institutions”.
“The EU is committed to redoubling its efforts to strengthen economic growth. Now is the time to invite European and Tunisian companies to invest in Tunisia, or vice versa, in Europe”, added Ms Šuica.
According to the Commissioner, “the partnership between the EU and Tunisia offers considerable potential for strengthening economic ties and investment, supporting sustainable development initiatives and broadening cooperation in the fields of energy, education, research and cultural exchanges” (see EUROPE 13721/34). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)