EU Mulls Aid Package for Tunisia Amid Migration Surge

The European Union is considering a loan of over €1bn to Tunisia to help its economy, state finances, and migration crisis, with most funds contingent on the country agreeing to economic reforms. The offer comes as major donors push for President Kais Saied to agree to the terms of a $1.9bn IMF bailout, which he has so far rejected. The EU could lend Tunisia up to €900m to help its macro-finances once it finalises the IMF programme, and provide €150m in budget support this year "in the context of a reform agenda". The EU would also provide Tunisia with €100m for border management, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations, and returns "rooted in respect for human rights".