EU offers Tunisia aid package, seeks tighter border control
Al JazeeraAPR 2023
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
A strategic pact between the EU and Tunisia is necessary in order to halt irregular migration from Africa. The need to crack down on criminal networks of smugglers and traffickers is paramount. The EU will work hand-in-hand with Tunisia on anti-smuggling and search-and-rescue operations. This vital Europe-North African partnership will save lives.
Establishment-critical narrative
Human rights groups have rightly expressed concern that the EU is providing financial support to President Saied's increasingly authoritarian government. The EU and Italy are turning a blind eye to Tunisia's repressive treatment of migrants and asylum-seekers, who face abuse at the hands of security forces — including police and national guard members at sea. The deal means that migrants will be stranded in Tunisia and become more desperate, taking even bigger risks to reach Europe.