BRUSSELS, 19 JULY 2023 - The European Union's (EU) recently announced deal with Tunisia to tackle migration and boost trade relations has ignited a critical response from human rights experts, analysts, and lawmakers, highlighting concerns over financial transparency and potential human rights abuses.
Under the agreement, Tunisia committed to tightening its sea borders, combating people-smuggling networks, and facilitating the return of illegal Tunisian residents in Europe. In exchange, the EU pledged significant financial support to bolster the North African country's economy.
While the EU has not disclosed precise financial details, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's earlier announcement of more than €1 billion in support raised questions about the deal's accountability and impact on vulnerable migrants.
Critics highlight Tunisia's history of alleged rights abuses against sub-Saharan migrants, including leaving them at the desert border with Libya, which raises doubts about their protection under the new agreement. Moreover, the EU's commitment of €105 million for border management, search and rescue, and anti-smuggling measures is seen as prioritizing security at the expense of humanitarian concerns.
Yasmine Akrimi, BIC North Africa Analyst, said:
“The EU's migrant deal with Tunisia is essentially a funding mechanism for strict border controls, aimed at preventing migration flows from reaching European shores at any cost. The EU is already eyeing Morocco and Egypt for a similar deal, completely disregarding the recent and older track of human rights abuses against migrants in North African countries. This deal is a step further into Europe’s ever-expanding borders and a clear message the Union has no problem initiating and supporting repressive, and increasingly deadly policies against migrants from the South, including children.”