Adoption of Fundamental Laws Related to Trade Agreements
The Assembly of People's Representatives adopted three fundamental law projects on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, related to the revision of rules of origin and trade agreements linking Tunisia to the Euro-Mediterranean space.
First Project: Modification of the Free Trade Agreement with EEA Countries
The first project, adopted by 85 votes, concerns the modification of protocol (B) of the free trade agreement between Tunisia and EEA countries. It redefines the concept of "originating products" and modernizes administrative cooperation mechanisms. The stated goal is clear: to enable Tunisian industrial companies to better access tariff benefits, increase their exports, and preserve or create jobs.
Second Project: Amendment of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership Agreement with the EU
The second text, approved by 87 deputies, relates to the amendment of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership agreement with the European Union. According to the government, this revision aims to adapt the agreement to the evolution of international trade while strengthening the capacity of Tunisian companies to export to a market of nearly 500 million consumers.
Third Project: Euro-Mediterranean Rules of Origin
The third project, related to Euro-Mediterranean rules of origin, is the most technical but also the most strategic. The new regime introduces significant facilitations, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): relaxation of origin criteria, simplification of customs procedures, expansion of the principle of accumulation of industrial transformation, and improvement of conditions for calculating costs at the factory exit. The stakes are high, as the Euro-Mediterranean space captures nearly 80% of Tunisia's exports.
Parliamentary Debates and Concerns
The parliamentary debates highlighted several concerns. Deputies denounced the late presentation of these texts, questioning the ability of SMEs to truly benefit from these advantages. Others expressed their fears about the impact on sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, olive oil, and textiles, the latter remaining partially excluded from certain measures like the abolition of the "drawback".
Government Response
In response, the Minister of Trade emphasized a "pragmatic and sovereign" approach to trade agreements. He recalled that the European Union remains the largest investor in Tunisia, with around 3,400 companies employing nearly 460,000 people, while stressing that 95% of Tunisia's exports remain concentrated on only three markets. This represents an untapped potential of 20 billion dinars per year.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs presented the rules of origin as a strategic tool, not just a technical formality. According to him, their harmonization would reduce costs, accelerate deadlines, and strengthen Tunisia's credibility as an industrial platform oriented towards export. He also announced the upcoming opening of new negotiations with the European Union, as well as advanced discussions with the United States and Indonesia, particularly to facilitate access to these markets for Tunisian olive oil.
The Minister of Finance assured that the customs administration is ready to apply these new rules, both digitally and logistically. She emphasized that these amendments do not create new commitments but update existing mechanisms to better adapt to global economic transformations.
