Italy commits €400m to support Tunisia’s energy initiatives

Italy and Tunisia formalized a two-year partnership on Thursday, with Italy committing €400 million to support Tunisia’s energy transition and the promotion of renewable energy. This new pledge represents a significant increase, doubling the financial commitment made under the 2021-2023 agreement.

The agreement was signed in Rome by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali Nafti.

Nafti emphasized the importance of energy collaboration, stating, “Energy was a major topic in our discussions following the signing of the energy conversion agreement. This represents a crucial step that will strengthen our cooperation in this key sector. We will also pursue other projects to advance our two countries in energy development and create an energy corridor linking North Africa with Europe.”

Addressing concerns about Tunisia’s treatment of sub-Saharan African migrants, Tajani responded, “While some analyses may differ, we consider Tunisia a safe and friendly country. We are committed to supporting its growth, and we do not perceive significant risks for its citizens. Tunisia has also played a vital role in combating illegal immigration and human trafficking.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made agreements with African nations a key priority under her development strategy, known as the Mattei Plan, named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of the state-owned energy company Eni. Through this plan, Italy aims to create jobs and opportunities in Africa, reducing the incentives for dangerous migration routes across the central Mediterranean.

During her first year in office, Meloni saw a marked increase in migrant arrivals, with around 160,000 reaching Italy in 2023. However, she attributed the decrease in migrant numbers in 2024 to the success of this strategy.

According to Frontex, the European border control agency, there was a 59% decline in crossings along the central Mediterranean route in 2024, mainly due to fewer departures from Libya and Tunisia. Nonetheless, this route remains the second most active for migrant crossings, with 67,000 recorded in 2024.