EU offers Tunisia cash in exchange for migration crackdown.

Posted on 18 July, 2023 by safetotosite pro

The European Union and the North African country of Tunisia have agreed on a plan to provide economic assistance in exchange for a crackdown on illegal migration.

EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Tunisia on Sept. 16 and agreed to implement a comprehensive cooperation plan with Tunisian President Caid Bouzid, the EU said.

The cooperation plan includes the EU's consideration of financial assistance worth €900 million (KRW 1.28 trillion) to Tunisia, which is experiencing economic difficulties, and an immediate budgetary support of €150 million (KRW 214 billion).

The proposal also includes an additional €100 million (KRW 142.4 billion) this year to help Tunisia manage its borders and search and rescue for illegal migrants.

While the financial assistance is tied to Tunisia's ongoing IMF bailout negotiations, which are expected to be difficult to deliver immediately, the EU's position is that the 250 million euros, including budget support and border control assistance, can be delivered within the year.

"Immigration is a crucial element of this agreement," 카지노사이트넷 Dutch Prime Minister Rutte said at a press conference after the deal was signed, adding that "it is essential to further strengthen the control of illegal immigration."

The EU has been struggling to crack down on illegal immigration in the wake of recent incidents such as the sinking of a refugee boat in the Mediterranean.

But there are also concerns that the agreement could backfire.

Particularly given Tunisian authorities' history of discriminatory treatment of migrants, some have argued that the EU could use the agreement to support human rights abuses.