The Tunisian presidency announced a memorandum of understanding on a “comprehensive strategic partnership” signed Sunday in Tunis between Tunisia and the European Union, in the presence of Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
During a press conference following the signing ceremony, these personalities took turns welcoming the said memorandum of understanding.
“We have agreed on a package of measures that we will implement on the basis of five axes”, welcomed Von der Leyen, before commenting on these axes.
The first axis includes “bringing together peoples”. According to the President of the European Commission, it will be a question of creating opportunities for Tunisian youth within the framework of a program worth 10 million euros.
The second relates to “economic development”. The objective is to help Tunisia build a solid economy that can withstand shocks. Financial support and budget support will be provided to Tunis.
Investment and trade constitute the third axis. The EU plans to work on improving the business climate in Tunisia with a view to attracting investment to this country. From the outset, an investment forum was announced for next fall, bringing together investors and financial institutions.
The fourth axis concerns the development of the renewable energy sector. The EU plans to provide Tunisia with the necessary technology, and grant funding of 300 million euros to the energy sector.
The last area concerns migration, with particular emphasis on the fight against illegal immigration. Tackling criminal networks, strengthening cooperation in search and rescue, as well as in border management, are all actions that should be carried out by both parties. An amount of 100 million euros will be allocated to migration.
It should be noted that Tunis and Brussels have worked for weeks to reach this memorandum of understanding which seems to meet the expectations of each of the parties.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1252 of 17/07/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
