European Commission President: Europe is Considering a Support Package for Tunisia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that "the European Union is ready to mobilize up to 900 million euros to support the Tunisian economy as well as an additional 150 million euros to support the budget, once an agreement is reached." She added during a visit to Tunisia: "The European Union is also ready to provide 100 million euros to Tunisia to help it manage borders, conduct search and rescue operations, and combat smuggling and return issues related to migration." Accompanying von der Leyen are Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose country is a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Tunisia. Meloni noted on Sunday that the European Union and Tunisia have already signed a joint declaration, which she praised as an important step "towards establishing a genuine partnership." She stated that there is an "important opportunity" to finalize the aid agreement before the European Council by the end of June. Additionally, she mentioned that "the European Union will also expand opportunities for Tunisian youth to study, work, and train in EU countries to help them develop skills that can be used to boost the Tunisian economy."