EU disburses 150 million euros to Tunisia for the country’s economic recovery

The European Union announced this Monday a disbursement of 150 million euros to Tunisia to help the North African country in its macroeconomic reform program, within the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties in 2023 and which also includes the control of migratory flows.

“The EU continues its commitment to Tunisia and is disbursing €150 million to support economic reforms and financial stability. “This is an important step within the framework of our understanding agreement concluded last year and an important step forward in our partnership.”European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

This money is part of the memorandum of understanding that the community club and Tunisia reached on July 16 and which contemplates five areas: macroeconomic stability, economy and trade, green energy transition, rapprochement between peoples, migration and mobility.

Specifically, the 150 million euro program falls within the macroeconomic stability pillar and will be implemented through budget support, according to the European Commission.

“It consists of a direct financial transfer from the European Union to the Tunisian Public Treasury to support the Tunisian Government in its efforts in favor of stable and inclusive economic growth for the benefit of its citizens”said Brussels.

This support also strengthens the capacity of the Tunisian State to guarantee stable and inclusive growth and confirms the EU’s commitment to supporting Tunisia on the path to economic reforms in the current socioeconomic context, said the Community Executive.

The Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, highlighted that the memorandum of understanding has begun to “bear fruit” and that its implementation “continues within the framework of a positive joint dynamic.”

“The EU is ready to continue supporting Tunisia with a view to moving towards sustainable and inclusive growth”Várhelyi added.

Also today the Commissioner for the Interior, Ylva Johansson, defended the agreement with Tunisia, which ““It is working well in many ways when it comes to migration.”he said upon his arrival at the EU Interior Council held in Brussels.

Swedish policy especially highlighted the increase in captures of smugglers, the decrease “significant” of migrant departures from Tunisia and the increase in refugee protection in the North African country in collaboration with the UNHCR, as well as the increase in voluntary returns of migrants from Tunisia with the help of the World Migration Organization.