Tunisia has stirred controversy by refusing entry to a delegation from the European Parliament, leading to strong reactions from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Some MEPs have even called for the suspension of the migration agreement between the European Union (EU) and Tunisia in response to this move.
The migration agreement, signed in July in Tunis, is aimed at curbing the number of migrants departing from the Tunisian coast in exchange for several hundred million euros in European aid. The ban on the European Parliament delegation’s visit has raised concerns about the state of this agreement.
The European Parliament delegation, composed of five MEPs, including three from France, had planned to visit Tunis to gain a better understanding of the current political situation and assess the progress of the migration agreement. Led by German MEP Michael Gahler (EPP, Christian Democrat), the delegation intended to meet with members of civil society, trade unionists, and representatives of the Tunisian opposition.
Tunisian authorities, in a letter addressed to the European Parliament delegation in Tunis, simply stated that the deputies from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament will not be authorized to enter the national territory.
MEPs reacted strongly to this move. They demanded a detailed explanation in Tunis, expressing their concerns about the situation. The Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament immediately called for the immediate suspension of the migratory partnership.
French MEP Mounir Satouri, a member of the delegation, described the situation as both surprising and exceptional. Another French MEP, Emmanuel Maurel, who is also part of the delegation, called for a firm response and strong support from European leaders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had cited the Tunisia-EU partnership as an example during her recent State of the Union speech, despite criticism from some MEPs. Some MEPs argued that such agreements could make the EU vulnerable to autocratic systems and potential blackmail.
The Commission defended the agreement, stating that it had led to an increase in the interception and rescue of boats. However, it faced criticism concerning President Kais Saied’s authoritarianism and the treatment of sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia.
On the other hand, right-wing and far-right MEPs considered the agreement insufficient to reduce migrant arrivals in Europe. Tunisia, along with Libya, serves as a primary departure point for thousands of migrants crossing the central Mediterranean to reach Europe, often arriving in Italy.
Ursula von der Leyen had visited Tunis for the signing of this agreement, accompanied by the heads of government of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and the Netherlands, Mark Rutte. This development echoes the EU’s 2015 agreement with Turkey aimed at curbing migrant arrivals in Europe in exchange for substantial financial compensation, part of which is yet to be provided.