EU Unveils Innovative Support for Tunisian SMEs Ahead of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The European Union has announced a significant strengthening of its support for Tunisian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to come into effect in early 2026. The CBAM aims to tax the carbon content of exports to the EU.
Addressing the Risk of Contraction
Aware of the risk of a significant contraction in market opportunities for Tunisian enterprises, with over three-quarters of their exports destined for the European market, Brussels is introducing a new program combining subsidies, green credit lines, and specialized technical support.
Key Components of the Support Program
Through flagship programs such as the Trade and Competitiveness Programme and the Green Economy Financing Facility, SMEs in the industrial, agri-food, textile, and chemical sectors will be able to access financing to:
- Modernize their equipment
- Reduce their CO₂ emissions
- Invest in energy efficiency
- Utilize renewable energy sources
Comprehensive Support
This support is not limited to financial assistance. It also includes:
- Training on carbon footprint measurement
- Environmental diagnostics
- Regulatory support to ensure that CBAM declarations are correctly established
Overcoming Obstacles
For many businesses, often fragile, access to bank credit or technological innovations remains a major obstacle. The European intervention aims to alleviate these constraints and secure export supply chains.
A Welcome Boost
Tunisian business leaders have welcomed this "breath of fresh air," which could transform a threat into an opportunity to modernize their production tools, optimize their standards, and gain competitiveness.
Long-Term Benefits
In the long term, this support plan could not only preserve thousands of jobs but also steer the Tunisian economy towards a more sustainable and resilient model.
A Pragmatic Response to a Global Challenge
By adopting these measures, the EU is offering a pragmatic response to a global climate challenge while preserving commercial ties with a traditional partner. This will provide Tunisian SMEs with a viable way to address carbon constraints without sacrificing their economic future.
