The fourth meeting of the EU-Tunisia Joint Parliamentary Committee took place on November 5, 2026, at the European Parliament in Brussels. The delegations, co-chaired by Ruggero Razza and Riadh Jaidane, adopted a joint declaration on the future of their bilateral partnership. The declaration emphasizes the need for an equal partnership based on mutual benefit, reciprocity, and shared ownership. This development reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between the two entities.
The joint declaration highlights the significance of updating the existing Association Agreement, signed over thirty years ago. The agreement aims to reflect the current interests of both parties more accurately. The European Union is Tunisia's primary trading partner and foreign investor. Both parties stress the importance of investment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and job creation, particularly for young people and in regions.
The declaration also underscores the need for appropriate financial support to implement Tunisia's 2026-2030 national development plan. Additionally, the parties emphasize the importance of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. They acknowledge the contribution of civil society, social partners, and a free press to sustainable development and social cohesion. These discussions demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting democratic values and human rights.
The joint declaration welcomes the Mediterranean Pact and its action plan, focusing on energy, skills, youth, and mobility. Both parties highlight the need to mobilize financing for energy transition and interconnection projects, such as the ELMED project. They also discuss strengthening digital cooperation, particularly in developing artificial intelligence and its ethical use. These initiatives aim to foster cooperation in key sectors.
The parties view migration as a shared responsibility and discuss combating human trafficking and smuggling networks. They emphasize respecting migrants' rights under international law and developing legal mobility channels. The declaration also mentions a common reflection on the brain drain and mobility of Tunisian skills in Europe. Both parties recognize the role of the Tunisian community in Europe and the importance of circular mobility mechanisms.
Regional issues, including the situations in Libya, Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine, were also addressed. The parties welcome Tunisia's role in promoting an inclusive political solution in Libya under UN auspices. They express concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, condemn violations of international humanitarian law, and call for unhindered humanitarian access. The parties also appreciate Tunisia's principled stance on Ukraine, based on the UN Charter and state sovereignty.
The joint declaration concludes with an agreement to continue parliamentary dialogue and hold the next Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting in Tunis in 2027. The date will be determined by mutual agreement. This commitment reflects a continued effort to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Tunisia and the European Union.
Key points
- The EU-Tunisia Joint Parliamentary Committee adopts a joint declaration to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation on economic, political, and regional issues.
