Disputes over handling refugees and immigrants have plagued the European Union since 2015.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock’s letter to the European Commission has highlighted inner conflicts within the 27-nation bloc.
Italy, the Netherlands, and EU institutions in July signed the agreement with Tunisia, promising aid to Tunis in exchange for President Kais Saied cracking down on people smugglers and keeping a tighter lid on sea departures. “Democracy, human rights and the rule of law must guide us in our cooperation – something that was not given suitable consideration, in the agreement with Tunisia,” she wrote.A related Sept 7 letter by the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, which also is not public but was seen by Reuters, highlighted a legal precedent suggesting the Commission might lose in court if sued.
On Friday, the EC announced €60 million in support for the Tunisian budget and a further €67 million in assistance on migration. “This new partnership comes in the backdrop of mounting evidence of serious human rights violations and abuses in Tunisia against sub-Saharan African migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, who are amongst the most vulnerable people in the country,” the experts wrote.