The Financial Times reported, on Sunday, the European Union will provide Tunisian security forces with up to 164.5 million euros ($177.74 million) over three years.
The newspaper, citing informed sources, added that Brussels pledged to provide Tunisia with financing worth 105 million euros, related to migration control in last year’s agreement, but most of it has not been disbursed yet.
Financial Times mentioned that the Union will increase spending on migration overall through various funding sources over the next three years, with about two-thirds of the expected amount of 278 million euros allocated to security and border management.
The report also clarified that the Union-funded programs for Tunisian security forces include a training academy for the Tunisian Coast Guard, implemented by the German federal police. Funds will also be spent on purchasing equipment, including radars and boats for the Coast Guard, as well as establishing land border points.
It is worth mentioning that the European Union disbursed 150 million euros to Tunisia this month to support the budget, aiming to achieve financial stability and economic reforms.
The issue of illegal immigration in Tunisia has evolved significantly, especially since the 2011 revolution. Post-revolution Tunisia has witnessed shifts in its political landscape, affecting its migration policies. Despite greater freedoms and transparency, Tunisia’s securitized migration policies have largely remained unchanged. This is due to a combination of factors: the need to democratically legitimize policies, contradictory dynamics within the Tunisian state, external demands for migration control, and equivocal transnational dynamics influenced by European migration policy. The democratization process has not fundamentally altered the security priorities of Tunisia’s Interior Ministry and European external actors, particularly regarding immigration. Additionally, there isn’t a clear majority within Tunisian society to politicize immigration issues through a human rights lens.
The Tunisian coast, particularly the region around Sfax, has become a significant departure point for illegal immigrants trying to reach Europe, specifically the Italian island of Lampedusa. Tunisian security authorities recently launched a campaign in Sfax to address the issue of illegal immigration. In a specific operation, Tunisia’s maritime guard foiled 88 illegal immigration attempts over three days, rescuing 1,131 illegal immigrants from sinking during the operations. Among these immigrants, 543 were of various African nationalities, with the rest being Tunisian nationals. This operation reflects the ongoing efforts by Tunisian authorities to curb the surge in illegal immigration, which has been a significant concern for both Tunisia and the European Union
