EU, Tunisia forge new deal to fight illegal migration
The European Union and Tunisia have signed a deal to fight illegal migration. The deal, which was signed in Tunis on Sunday, includes measures to improve border security, crack down on smuggling networks, and provide economic opportunities for Tunisians.
The deal is seen as an important step in stemming the flow of migrants from Tunisia to Europe. In recent years, Tunisia has become a major transit point for migrants trying to reach Europe. The country’s proximity to Italy and its relatively weak border security have made it an attractive destination for smugglers.
The new deal will provide Tunisia with €105 million in aid to help it improve its border security and crack down on smuggling networks. The EU will also provide Tunisia with support to create jobs and economic opportunities for its citizens, in an effort to reduce the incentive for people to migrate.
“This is a strategic partnership,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“It is about protecting our borders, but it is also about creating opportunities for people in Tunisia.”
Tunisian President Kais Saied said the deal was “a historic moment” for his country. “This agreement will help us to address the root causes of migration,” he said. “It will help us to create jobs and to build a better future for our people.”
The deal is the latest in a series of measures that the EU has taken to try to stem the flow of illegal migration from Africa. In 2020, the EU launched the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, which provides funding to African countries to help them address the root causes of migration. The EU has also increased its cooperation with African countries to improve border security and to crack down on smuggling networks.
The new deal with Tunisia is seen as an important step in the EU’s efforts to manage migration from Africa. However, it is clear that there is no easy solution to the problem. The root causes of migration are complex and require a long-term approach. The EU and Tunisia will need to work together to address these challenges and to build a better future for the people of Tunisia.
The EU and Tunisia hope that the new deal will help to create a more sustainable and humane approach to migration. They believe that by working together, they can help to address the root causes of migration and to build a better future for the people of Tunisia and the wider region.
