Cracks appear in EU's dubious "cash for migrant control" deal with Tunisia

The EU's controversial 'cash for migrant control' deal with Tunisia is facing increasing uncertainty due to frustrations in Brussels with President Kais Saied's recent erratic behavior.

As reported by Euractiv, EU Neighbourhood Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi announced that Tunisia could return €60 million in EU funds transferred to Tunis as part of the pact, as President Saied dismissed the sum as "derisory" and "charity." President Saied emphasized that Tunisia does not want charity but seeks respect in its cooperation with the EU.

It remains unclear whether President Saied intends to renegotiate the financial settlement agreed with the European Commission, which includes up to €785 million in budget support and investment. The €60 million sum had been formally requested by Tunisia's Finance Minister Samir Saïed on August 31.

Várhelyi expressed the EU's commitment to cooperation with Tunisia based on mutual respect but noted that the implementation of the memorandum should continue once Tunisia returns to the spirit of their strategic and comprehensive partnership after a second European Parliament delegation was denied entry to Tunisia without explanation earlier in the week.

The €785 million 'cash for migrant control' agreement was brokered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Under this deal, the EU provides financial support for Tunisia's economy and infrastructure projects in exchange for cooperation on migration control. EU leaders endorsed the deal at a June summit, and the Commission aims to secure similar agreements with other North African states.