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HomeEconomyItaly Invests €400 Million in New Energy Partnership with Tunisia

Italy Invests €400 Million in New Energy Partnership with Tunisia

Italy and Tunisia have signed an agreement to promote energy transition, renewable energies, and to strengthen bilateral cooperation, thus consolidating a two-year partnership aimed at advancing development initiatives, particularly in these areas.

Under this agreement, Italy has committed to providing €400 million, marking a significant increase from its financial contributions under the 2021-2023 agreement.

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The deal was signed in a ceremony in Rome by Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, and his Tunisian counterpart, Mohammed Ali Nafti, who emphasized the importance of energy in bilateral discussions, stating, “This is a very important step that will strengthen our collaboration in this vital sector. We will also work on other projects to enable our two countries to gain an edge in energy terms and to have, so to speak, an energy corridor connecting North Africa to Europe.”

Addressing concerns about Tunisia’s treatment of Sub-Saharan African migrants, Tajani highlighted Italy’s continued support for Tunisia, which he described as a “safe and friendly country.” Quoted by Arise News TV, he added, “One might not agree with some analyses. We consider Tunisia a safe country, a friendly country. On the other hand, we contribute to the growth of this country, and we do not see excessive dangers for Tunisian citizens. Tunisia has also made a significant contribution in the fight against illegal immigration and human traffickers.”

This agreement is part of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s broader engagement strategy with Africa under the Mattei Plan, named after Eni’s founder Enrico Mattei. The initiative aims to boost economic development in African countries and reduce factors leading to irregular migration in the Central Mediterranean.

In 2023, Italy recorded a sharp increase in migrant arrivals, with around 160,000 people reaching its shores. However, Meloni attributes a 59% decrease in crossings via the Central Mediterranean route in 2024 to her government’s policies, including partnerships like this, as reported by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.

Despite this decline, the Central Mediterranean route remains one of the most used migration paths, with 67,000 crossings recorded in 2024.

An “Ordered and Circular” Migration

Both ministers celebrated the deep historical ties between the two friendly nations and the positive dynamics recently seen in bilateral relations, reflecting the will of both countries’ leaders and their mutual interest in further strengthening these ties in a framework of equality and mutual respect, in response to the aspirations of both peoples.

In this context, they emphasized the importance of meticulously preparing all upcoming bilateral events, such as the second meeting of the Tunisia-Italy High Council for Strategic Cooperation and the fourth session of bilateral political consultations.

They also expressed satisfaction with the progress in implementing projects funded through financial cooperation programs, which support Tunisia’s development efforts. The ministers discussed the significance of enhancing partnership relations, economic cooperation, and investment, especially in promising sectors with high added value.

For his part, Antonio Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting Tunisia’s comprehensive and sustainable development through enhanced economic cooperation and encouraging investments. He expressed his intention to organize an economic forum for Italian businesspeople in Tunisia in the first half of 2025.

Both parties had a constructive discussion on migration, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and multidimensional approach to irregular migration, based on solidarity, development, addressing root causes, and combating human trafficking networks. They agreed to support cooperation for promoting ordered and circular migration, diversifying its fields based on the 2023 agreement on managing migratory flows between the two countries, to strengthen this comprehensive approach in its various dimensions.

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