Tunisia seeks “solidarity”, which literally means fresh funds. But Europe’s promised resources are blocked for now, waiting for the African country to reach an agreement on a $1.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson’s visit ended as expected without anything being done on this front, and the exits from Tunisia continue unabated. Brussels and Tunisia, on the other hand, took the opportunity to express their “will to build a strengthened operational partnership in the fight against human trafficking”. Details have yet to be determined, but the EU has pledged to fund an information campaign between May and June that aims, among other things, to raise awareness of the dangers of irregular migration.
Also in May, according to a memo from the European Commission, a roundtable will be held to “build a talent partnership that will promote legal migration in the interests of both parties,” according to Tunisia’s mutual needs. For the benefit of the EU Member States and the jointly determined business and professional sectors”. In other words, Brussels is committed to creating channels to bring Tunisian workers to EU companies that are finding it more difficult to find staff.
These are clearly two spot initiatives. Because the central node on the Euro-Tunisia axis continues to be the increasing flows of illegal immigrants crossing the Mediterranean towards Italy. The Commission welcomed Tunisia’s efforts in the fight against human trafficking and expressed its solidarity and the European side “willingness to provide substantial support to consolidate national capacities in the face of the resurgence of this phenomenon”. What needs to be understood in a global and multidimensional way,” stressed the European Commission. Experts from both sides will outline the strengthened partnership that will “make it possible to better combat irregular migration”.
In this context, Tunisia and the EU agreed to strengthen cooperation on the protection and repatriation of irregular migrants from Tunisia “through increased EU support for voluntary returns and their reintegration into their countries of origin”. human rights and human dignity”. Tunisia and the EU also “for better socio-economic reintegration of returning Tunisian migrants, in particular through support for the national reintegration mechanism ‘Tounesna’, and for better coordination in the readmission and reintegration of citizens”. agreed to strengthen existing support mechanisms.”.
But there is an IMF loan between saying and doing: Unless this loan is released, Brussels funds will come to a standstill. Tunisian President Kays Said does not seem willing to bow to the demands of the IMF, which wants a reform package in exchange for money. Italy is trying to mediate and is offering a first installment of sorts on the trust: €300m to be paid immediately into the disastrous Tunisian coffers, with a promise to complete the reforms later.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
