The European Commission is restructuring its funding approach to Tunisia following a Guardian investigation that uncovered extensive abuses by EU-funded security forces, including sexual violence against migrants. The overhaul introduces strict conditions ensuring that future payments, amounting to tens of millions of pounds over the next three years, will depend on Tunisia’s adherence to human rights standards.
This move comes after reports last year accused Tunisia’s national guard of widespread abuse, including raping hundreds of migrants, beating children, and collaborating with people smugglers. Critics argue that the 2023 Tunisia-EU migration deal prioritized reducing migration to Europe over protecting human rights.
The EU had previously defended its dealings with Tunisia, claiming robust monitoring systems for human rights violations. However, officials now confirm that new measures are being implemented to guide relations with Tunisia until 2027. These measures include creating subcommittees within three months to ensure human rights remain central to the EU’s partnership with the increasingly authoritarian North African nation.
Emily O’Reilly, the EU ombudsman, criticized the lack of transparency regarding human rights in the EU-Tunisia deal. She emphasized the need for clear criteria to suspend EU funding in cases of human rights violations. O’Reilly’s findings highlighted the €100m (£85m) allocated to strengthen Tunisia’s borders, despite alarming abuse allegations.
In response to the Guardian’s report, the EU had urged Tunisia to investigate the claims, though no findings have been disclosed. Instead, the EU is taking proactive steps to distance itself from any association with abuses linked to Tunisian President Kais Saied, who has faced criticism for an increasingly repressive regime.
Human rights organizations suggest that the EU’s tougher stance on Tunisia could extend to other countries with similar migration agreements, such as Egypt, Mauritania, and Morocco. Concerns about human rights monitoring in these nations have already been raised.
O’Reilly, whose term as EU ombudsman ends next month, stressed that the EU’s fundamental rights obligations must not be compromised for geopolitical or migration-related goals.