On January 28, 2025, the European Commission announced a revision of its funding strategy for Tunisia following a Guardian investigation that uncovered abuses by EU-funded security forces, including allegations of sexual violence against migrants.
EU officials are now considering implementing human rights-related conditions that Tunisia must fulfill to access tens of millions of pounds in funding over the next three years. This shift indicates a potential acknowledgment by the EU of criticisms regarding its 2023 agreement with Tunisia, which critics argue prioritized migration control over human rights.
Previously, the EU had consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that its partnership with Tunisia was aligned with human rights principles. This change in approach could also impact EU agreements with other countries, such as Egypt and Mauritania, as scrutiny over human rights violations in migration-related deals intensifies.