Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed recently made a surprising statement refusing funds allocated by the European Union to Tunisia. According to him, these funds, which were intended to combat illegal immigration, look more like “charity” than real cooperation between the two parties.
The agreement between Tunisia and the EU provided for an envelope of 105 million euros to help Tunisia face the migration challenge. Of this amount, 42 million euros had to be released quickly according to the European Commission. However, President Saïed considered that this sum was derisory and went against the agreement concluded in July between the two parties.
For the Tunisian president, it is not just a question of amount. He fears that these funds will be perceived as charity without respect from the EU towards Tunisia. He recalls that his country and its people do not want sympathy, but real cooperation based on mutual respect.
The aid planned by the EU was to be used in part to rehabilitate Tunisian coast guard boats and to cooperate with international organizations in the protection of migrants and their repatriation to their countries of origin. However, President Saïed claims that this proposal goes against the spirit of the agreement and the Rome conference.
It also highlights Tunisia’s efforts to dismantle criminal human trafficking networks and address the root causes of irregular immigration.
Tunisia is one of the main departure points for migrants crossing the central Mediterranean to reach Europe. This refusal of European funds raises questions about future cooperation between Tunisia and the EU in migration management.
In conclusion, the Tunisian President, Kaïs Saïed, made the decision to refuse funds from the European Union, declaring that his country does not want charity, but real cooperation based on mutual respect. This decision calls into question the future relationship between Tunisia and the EU in the management of migration and raises questions about how the two parties will be able to work together to meet this challenge.