European Union and Tunisia Agree to Comprehensive Partnership Package

The European Union and Tunisia have announced their commitment to working together on a comprehensive partnership package to strengthen their ties for mutual benefit. This agreement was made during the visit of the President of the European Commission, the Prime Minister of Italy, and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands to Tunisia, and was published in a joint statement in Brussels.

Strengthening Economic and Trade Relations

The joint statement highlights the opportunities for the European Union and Tunisia to achieve tangible results through a comprehensive partnership in strengthening economic and trade relations. This partnership aims to be sustainable and competitive, with common strategic priorities in areas such as energy and migration that will benefit both parties.

The partnership will promote economic cooperation through closer trade and investment ties, enhancing opportunities for small and medium-sized companies. Economic support, including general financial assistance, will also be considered.

Transitioning to Green Energy

The partnership in the field of energy will help Tunisia transition to green energy, reducing costs and creating a basis for renewable energy trade and integration with the European Union market.

Combatting Illegal Migration

As part of their joint work on migration, the overall priority is to combat illegal migration to and from Tunisia, prevent loss of life at sea, combat smugglers and traffickers, and strengthen political dialogue within the Partnership Council.

The statement indicated that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Tunisians Abroad and the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement had been tasked with drafting a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive partnership package. This package will be approved by both Tunisia and the European Union by the end of June.

Revitalizing Political and Institutional Relations

The Partnership Council, to be held before the end of the year, will provide an important opportunity to revitalize political and institutional relations with a view to jointly addressing common international problems and maintaining a rules-based order.

The comprehensive partnership package between the European Union and Tunisia is a significant step towards strengthening their relationship and achieving mutual benefit through cooperation in key areas such as energy, migration, and economic and trade relations.