Ombudsman asks Commission about respect for fundamental rights in EU agreement with Tunisia
The Ombudsman is asking whether the Commission conducted a human rights impact assessment before signing the agreement, if periodic reviews will be conducted during implementation, and if there are criteria for suspending funding in case of human rights violations.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the EU and Tunisia was signed in July and it includes provisions related to combating irregular migration as well as EU financial support for improving Tunisia’s management of its borders. Under the MoU, the EU will provide EUR 105 million to support the Tunisian coastguard and border management.
As concerns have been raised about the agreement, the Ombudsman has asked the European Commission how it plans to ensure respect for human rights in migration-related actions resulting from this recent agreement.
The Ombudsman has asked the Commission to reply by 13 December 2023.
For further information, please read this press release from the European Ombudsman.