The future commissioner for the Mediterranean points to agreements with Egypt and Tunisia as a basis for a pact with the region

BRUSSELS Oct. 29 () –

The future commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, has vindicated the agreements of the European Union with Egypt or Tunisia, which include elements of migration control in exchange for European funds, pointing them out as the basis for the Mediterranean Pact, her main priority for the next mandate.

In written response to questions from the MEPs who will lead the examination in the European Parliament to confirm her in the position, Suica underlined as a priority “increasing the strategic role of the EU in the region” and launching a “new Pact for the Mediterranean “, the strategy with which he wants to promote bilateral agreements with the countries in the area but also a regional approach that includes important investments in the face of deterioration in areas such as Gaza or the Sahel.

This plan is born from the conviction of the next European Commission that the Mediterranean has a “strategic importance” for the security, stability and prosperity of the EU.

With the idea of ​​taking advantage of the close ties with the region, Croatian policy sets the agreement with Tunisia or Egypt, sealed in 2023 and 2024, as bases to “strengthen EU diplomacy.” “These partnerships have created positive momentum, bringing tangible progress in areas of critical interest to the EU,” he indicated, giving this type of agreement as an example.

“They have provided us with useful tools to strengthen dialogue with national authorities in line with our common desire to establish authentic associations,” claimed Suica regarding the agreements with these countries, which have nevertheless generated controversy due to their approaches to migration. .

For this plan, the next commissioner for the Mediterranean proposes strategic and global partnerships with partners in the region, and secondly, strengthening dialogue with national authorities. Within the EU’s offer for the region, it points out regional investment initiatives in areas such as energy, digital and transport connectivity, security and the promotion of talent.

Regarding the impact of Human Rights on this type of pact, the commissioner appointed by Croatia insists that respect for human rights and democratic principles “are the cornerstones of the European Union and form an integral part of the management of financing.” abroad”.

He argued that these types of strategies are based on “shared objectives and mutual interests” and are designed to help the EU better address crucial issues. To emphasize that the Pact for the Mediterranean “will have at its center” the values ​​and principles of the EU in matters of human rights and that it will be based on “continuous, constant and direct support” to Human Rights NGOs present in this area .