Has Something Like This Ever Happened Before? Tunisia Refunds €60 Million To The EU

In an unprecedented move, Tunisia has sent back €60 million in EU aid as tensions over a migration deal persist, the European Commission confirmed on Thursday.

Asked if something like this has ever happened before with a non-EU country, the Commission’s spokesperson for enlargement and neighbourhood, said “as far as we are aware, no.”

Ana Pisonero did not specify a reason for the repayment of funds that were released last week, but stressed “contacts and discussions are ongoing.”

EU-Tunisia Memorandum Of Understanding

The grants were supposed to be the first disbursement of a larger €127 million tranche that also includes money earmarked under the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding signed in July.

But days after the EC announced the €127 million envelope in September, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the financial offer, saying it was “derisory”.

“Tunisia, which accepts cooperation, does not accept anything resembling charity or favour,” Saied said last week. The blunt remarks were widely covered by the media.

Deterioration Of Fragile EU-Tunisia Ties

The remarks sparked outrage in Brussels, where the memorandum has been touted as a blueprint for future agreements with neighbouring countries to stem migration flows.

The refund represents yet another deterioration in the already fragile EU-Tunisia ties, which the bloc is desperate to maintain intact as part of its migration policy.

The objective of reducing the number of migrant vessels that leave Tunisia and make their way to Italy was the prime motivation behind the memorandum.

Abuses Allegedly Committed By Tunisian Authorities

The agreement earmarks at least €105 million in migration management, €150 million in budget support and €307.6 million for a transmission line of low cost renewable electricity.

It also opens the door for €150 million for a submarine cable of optical fibre technology and a potential €900 million in macro-financial assistance.

However, since its presentation, the MoU has been the target of criticism from humanitarian organisations, who have highlighted abuses allegedly committed by Tunisian authorities.