Summary:

On Monday, 24 June 2024, the European Foreign Affairs Council discussed human rights in Tunisia after a law firm raised requests by various NGOs for the Council to review its ties with Tunisia after recent repression of journalists and activists. 

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The Council also tackled recent rapprochement between senior Tunisian leaders and diplomats and eastern powers including, China, Russia, and Iran. EU High Representative Joseph Borell expressed concerns about the eastward focus of Tunisia’s recent diplomacy.  

Tunisia’s Embassy in Brussels responded to Borell’s statements by affirming the country’s independent foreign policy, recalling its longstanding partnership with the EU, and declaring that Borell’s statements would not affect this partnership. 

Outlook: 

Criticism from European partners may result in Tunisia’s further diplomatic movement to the East. Tunisia policy could begin mirroring the EU narrative of an eastward shift as President Kais Saied seeks to preserve his image as a defender of national sovereignty and independence. Nevertheless, Tunisia is unlikely to substantially move away from its long-standing and essential cooperation with its European partners.  

Eastern powers could work to exploit the political tensions between Tunisia and its Western partners to expand their influence in North Africa. At present, Europe would struggle to contain such efforts with the conflict in Gaza having already pre-disposed many in the Middle East and North Africa to skepticism toward European policies in any area. 

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