Migrants, the memorandum between Tunisia and the EU. 105 million for the fight against smugglers – Corriere.it

The third is good. Yesterday in Tunisia, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni returned once again – three in one month – the memorandum of understanding was signed between European Union and Tunisia which commits the North African country to collaborate to stop migrants reaching Lampedusa at their departure, in exchange for financial aid. Europe will support the blocking of departures from the North African country with 105 millionthe figure already announced in June but on which a negotiation had arisen which had caused the postponement of the signature.

This time the contractors are all there: on the one hand the Europe team made up of the president of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the Italian premier and the Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, on the other the Tunisian president Kais Saied who stops for the moment press statements. Now the member states will have to ratify it.

Meloni, in the presidential palace of Carthage, the scene of the signing, thanks von der Leyen in particular for an agreement unthinkable until a few months ago. He then explains the strategy: The memorandum is an important step towards creating a true partnership between Tunisia and the EU, which can address the migration crisis and development for both shores of the Mediterranean in an integrated way. What before providing for an obligatory redistribution in Europe of those who land, functions in the curb departures to Italy. This partnership – continues Meloni – must be considered a model for building new relations with Africa. In short, it could pave the way for other subsequent and similar agreements. Meanwhile, the memorandum signed yesterday will have to be followed by other agreements to ground the objectives we have set ourselves, the premier points out.

On immigration – underlines von der Leyen – we need one more than ever effective cooperation. The tragic shipwreck a few weeks ago, with many victims, was another call for action. We must combat the activities of those who exploit desperation by breaking a unconscious business model. We will work with Tunisia, we will increase the coordination in Sar operations and border control and repatriation in full compliance with international law. a good package, now it must be implemented.

Words that galvanize the majority that supports the government. Until a few months ago – echoes Meloni Tommaso Foti, FdI group leader in the Chamber – a strategic partnership would have been unthinkable which would allow avert a biblical exodus with heavy repercussions for Italy. And great satisfaction is expressed by the Minister for European Affairs, Raffaele Fitto.

Saied, who also collects from Europe 150 million in support of Tunisia’s troubled finances, it joined the other signatories on the need to fight together the criminal network of traffickers. And he rejected the concerns, also expressed by European countries, regarding respect for the rights of migrants in his country, attacking the NGOs. The Tunisian people showed full hospitality and unlimited generosity towards migrants expelled from their own countries, while many NGOs only declare. As if it served to protect the victims of hunger and thirst. Not to mention the fake news with which they damage Tunisia.

We will talk about migrations Sunday 23 in Rome. Meloni, remembering the international conference which will have President Saied among the protagonists with heads of state and government of the Mediterranean, he hopes it will be the beginning of a journey.

The Political Diary newsletter

If you want to stay updated on political news, subscribe to the newsletter “Political Diary”. It is dedicated to Corriere della Sera subscribers and arrives twice a week at 12. Just click here.