Tunisia and EU to Sign €80 Million Social Inclusion Support Agreement

A new financial agreement worth €80 million (approximately 269.3 million Tunisian dinars) is set to be signed shortly between Tunisia and the European Union (EU). As announced by the EU Delegation in Tunisia on Saturday, this funding, allocated under the Social Inclusion Support Program, will be directed to the state budget.

Modernizing the Association Agreement

The announcement comes at a time when Brussels has expressed its readiness to engage in negotiations with Tunis regarding the commercial rules of the Association Agreement. Giuseppe Perrone, the EU Ambassador to Tunisia, articulated the European Union’s desire to open a comprehensive dialogue with Tunisian authorities to revise these provisions and modernize the agreement.

Signed on July 17, 1995, and entering into force on March 1, 1998, this agreement frames the political, economic, and commercial relations between the two parties. However, no specific timeline has been announced for the commencement of negotiations on its commercial component. Ambassador Perrone also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to continuing its support for Tunisia, which he described as a historical and reliable partner.

Strengthening Energy Cooperation

Energy cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral relations. The Ambassador specifically highlighted the importance of the ELMED project, an electrical interconnection initiative between Tunisia and Italy. This infrastructure is designed to enhance electricity exchanges between the two countries and to develop broader energy links between Tunisia and Europe.