The EU wants to pay Tunisia a lot of money so that fewer refugees come across the Mediterranean. But because of the dispute over the migration pact, Tunis has now paid back part of it. Can the agreement continue to exist?
After tensions over the controversial migration deal, Tunisia has paid back 60 million euros in budget aid to the EU. This was announced by a spokeswoman for the EU Commission in Brussels. The North African country had previously announced that it would reject the funds. Tunisia “does not accept anything that resembles grace or alms,” President Kais Saied said last week.
The EU’s announcements would contradict a previously signed agreement in principle. What exactly Tunis sees as a contradiction was not stated.
Does the agreement still exist?
The spokeswoman for the EU Commission said they would continue to work on the agreement despite the repayment. However, doubts are increasing as to whether the controversial agreement on migration between Brussels and Tunis will last.
As part of a corresponding declaration of intent from July, Tunisia should receive financial aid of up to 900 million euros and in return take stronger action against smugglers and illegal crossings. The EU wants to ensure that fewer smuggling boats come to Italy via Tunisia. Tunisia is one of the main transit countries for refugees from Africa heading to Europe.
Payout of 127 million
The EU Commission received a lot of criticism at the time because the Tunisian government was accused of human rights violations. The Brussels authority then announced in September that it would pay Tunisia around 127 million euros to reduce migration across the country and stimulate the country’s weakening economy.
67 million euros of this should be used for new ships and thermal cameras, search and rescue operations, measures against smugglers and the repatriation of refugees. In addition, there was the 60 million euro budget support so that the country can recover from the corona crisis.