On this occasion, Tunisia and the European Commission have expressed the willingness to establish a stronger operational partnership on anti-smuggling, including in particular: (a) support for the protection of maritime borders and Tunisia's southern borders, (b) enhanced police and judicial cooperation, (c) enhanced operational cooperation with relevant EU agencies such as Eurojust and Europol (in this context, the relevant Tunisian authorities and Europol will work towards finalising negotiations with a view to signing a working arrangement) and (d) awareness-raising on the dangers of irregular migration, with EU-funded information campaigns to be launched in May and June.

The two sides have agreed to strengthen their cooperation on protection and on return of irregular migrants in Tunisia to their countries of origin.

They have agreed to strengthen existing schemes designed to support a more successful socio-economic reintegration of Tunisian migrants who returned to the country (in particular through support for the country's ‘Tounesna' reintegration scheme) and to better coordinate their efforts as regards the readmission and reintegration of Tunisian nationals.

They have also expressed the willingness to establish a talent partnership to promote legal migration in the interest of both sides. To this end, a round-table discussion involving all stakeholders will be held in May 2023 with a view to laying down the framework and the content of the partnership.

For further information, please read the press release from the European Commission.