Summary:

On 17 December, European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen stated that the number of irregular migrants coming from Tunisia has decreased by 80% compared to last year. 

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Von Der Leyen also confirmed that the central Mediterranean route saw a 59% decrease in the number of illegal migrants passing through it. 

The statements come a day prior to the recovery of 20 bodies of irregular migrants who died in a shipwreck 25 kilometers off the coast of the city of Sfax, a main launch point for migrants attempting sea crossings to Europe.  

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Khaled Nouri and his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi met on 19 December to discuss continued cooperation on addressing illegal migration. 

The two officials agreed to further modernize the infrastructure and equipment of the Tunisian coast guard, while improving technical surveillance mechanisms and real-time intelligence sharing to curb illegal sea crossings. 

Outlook: 

Europe is seeing practical results from the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Tunisia in July 2023 which has remained a source of controversy within the EU. While the EU remains divided over the legalities and ethics of the agreement, it has proven effective, which is what many electorates across the EU have been demanding of their governments.  

This level of cooperation between the EU and Tunisia is likely to continue as both sides are seeing the results they have long desired. The Tunisian security apparatus is gaining new financial and operational resources, and the EU is receiving fewer irregular migrants.  

The current level of cooperation has granted a level of legitimacy to Tunisia’s approach to migrants, even as that approach remains the source of significant criticism and scrutiny. Local and foreign non-governmental organizations and activists are calling to review the cooperation with a focus on ensuring the protection of human rights. 

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