France has expressed support for Tunisia's efforts to revise its association agreement with the European Union, which has been in place for 31 years. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot conveyed this stance during a phone conversation with his Tunisian counterpart, Mohamed Ali Nafti, on November 4, 2026. The discussion covered various aspects of cooperation between Tunis and Paris, as well as upcoming bilateral and multilateral events.
The proposed revision aims to establish a more equitable partnership that reflects current economic realities. Barrot confirmed France's backing for updating the agreement, ensuring it is more just and accounts for recent economic changes. This position aligns with Tunisia's long-standing demand to reassess its partnership with Brussels, prioritizing national economic interests. The 1995 agreement, effective since 1998, introduced a gradual free trade zone, eliminating customs duties on industrial products.
The push for a revised partnership occurs amid controversy surrounding a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Tunisia and the EU. The accord, presented as a strategic and comprehensive partnership, focuses on five areas: macroeconomic stability, economic and trade relations, energy transition, people-to-people contacts, and migration. It included European aid worth €105 million for migration cooperation and €150 million in direct budgetary support, with a proposed macroeconomic support package of up to €900 million.
However, the 2023 memorandum faced criticism from the European Parliament, particularly regarding migration management and human rights guarantees. In September 2023, Tunisian authorities refused entry to a European Parliament delegation, further straining institutional relations. The European Ombudsman also raised concerns in October 2024 about the Commission's lack of transparency and failure to conduct an independent risk assessment for the agreement.
Tunisia's desire to revise its EU partnership focuses on achieving a better balance between economic, commercial, and political aspects of cooperation. The existing agreement has been in place for over three decades, and Tunisian authorities argue that it no longer reflects the country's current needs. By revising the agreement, Tunisia aims to address its economic challenges and ensure a more mutually beneficial partnership with the EU.
The French government's support for Tunisia's revision efforts marks a significant development in the two countries' relations. As Tunisia continues to navigate its economic challenges, the proposed revision of the association agreement may pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable partnership with the EU. This move also underscores the need for the EU to reassess its cooperation with Tunisia, taking into account the country's evolving economic and political landscape.
The revision of the association agreement may have far-reaching implications for Tunisia's economic development and its relations with the EU. As the two parties move forward, they will need to balance their competing interests and priorities, ensuring that the revised agreement addresses Tunisia's needs while also meeting EU requirements. The outcome of these negotiations will likely have significant consequences for the future of EU-Tunisia cooperation.
Key points
- France supports Tunisia's bid to revise the 1995 association agreement with the EU.
- The proposed revision aims to establish a more equitable partnership reflecting current economic realities.
- The revision efforts occur amid controversy surrounding a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Tunisia and the EU.
