There is a detail that has perhaps been most overlooked in these months marked by the severe migration emergency and the negotiations with Tunis. In fact, Tunisia currently does not have one of its own Sar area. This is a search and security area in which our own vehicles and men can operate in close coordination for ship rescue operations. An element that could prove crucial when comparing new newcomers from North Africa. For this reason, as some diplomatic sources report to various European media, the EU is working on one agreement is able to guarantee Tunisia the establishment of the special administrative region.
Brussels plan for the Tunisian special administrative region
Internationally, SAR areas were established Hamburg Convention of 1979. But not all states have ratified the document and have not put their respective search and rescue zones into operation. Areas that do not necessarily coincide with the boundaries of their territorial waters or with the EEZs (Exclusive Economic Zones).
Tunisia is one of the countries that currently does not have its own SAR area. According to some EU officials, Tunis’ establishment of the search and rescue zone could mark the first possible turning point in the fight against irregular immigration. In fact, local authorities would have the opportunity and legitimacy to act in their own areas and thus intervene directly to rescue and return to port the ships sent into the sea by smugglers.
Brussels’ wish would be to provide Tunisia with everything economic and political instruments to proceed with the establishment of a dedicated SAR area. In particular, the EU is reportedly looking at economic aid to the government of Tunis, as well as aid related to new vehicles for the local armed forces. In addition, training Tunisian agents could also be included in the plan. The aim is therefore to make the Tunisian coast guard autonomous in operations at sea within its own area of responsibility.
New agreements regarding the Tunis-EU memorandum
The dialogue is already in full swing. In addition, Tunisia and the European Union are preparing to sign a memorandum on immigration and their respective diplomatic relations are in the early stages of negotiations. Between June and July, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accompanied European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Tunis twice.
Visits that laid the foundations for dialogue between the parties aimed at reducing the scope of the problem Migration flows. Goal not yet achieved: The landings have actually increased and the Tunisian President Kais Saied In addition to the refugee agreements, it also seems to want to negotiate financing to save state coffers, which are increasingly collapsing and increasingly dependent on liquidity. The agreement on the SAR area could therefore be included in the memorandum between the two shores of the Mediterranean.