The Role of Tunisia in The Eu’s Migration Governance
The Role of Tunisia in The Eu’s Migration Governance

Author(s): Tamara Poletan
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy, Psychology, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, General Reference Works, Geography, Regional studies, Library and Information Science, Sociology
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Tunisia; Migration Governance; Migration; political; socioeconomic
Summary/Abstract: As a result of political and socioeconomic instability which gained momentum in the last decade, and the rising tensions and conflicts in its neighboring countries, a surge in the irregular departures from Tunisia towards the countries of European Union (EU) became a salient feature of post-revolutionary Tunisia. With 1.3 million Tunisians residing abroad as of 2016, Tunisia represents a prime emigration country in the Mediterranean region (Natter, 2021). Driven by its own political and economic interests in the region, migration has figured high on the agenda of EU’s policymakers. Tunisia represents EU’s key partner in various domains, with their partnership dating back to 1976 with its legal basis in Association Agreement signed in 1995. The 2011 Revolution represented a turning point in the EU-Tunisia relations, rendering EU a crucial partner in provision of support to the Tunisian transition towards the modern democracy. As stated on the official web page of the European Commission: “The partnership between Tunisia and the European Union (EU) is rooted in the mutual interest of enhancing a prosperous and stable Tunisian democracy” (European Commission) . In addition to that, Tunisia benefits immensely from the generous financial support provided by the EU with the aim of enhancing migration governance and addressing the root causes of irregular migration. Yet, as per Lixi, the relations between Tunisia and the EU have long been motivated by the mutual needs and interests with rare examples of a true cooperation (Lixi, 2018).

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