Federica Mogherini met Beji Caid Essebsi today during the first-ever visit made by a Tunisian President to the European institutions. The meeting is a key political milestone in the process of strengthening the privileged partnership and strategic relationship between the European Union and Tunisia.

Both sides stressed the importance to be given to the issue of young people in their enhanced relationship and cooperation, following on from their discussions and statements on the subject when the High Representative visited Tunis on 1 November. Against this backdrop, the European Union and Tunisia announced the launch of the EU-Tunisia Youth Partnership, a shared vision for the future of Tunisia and Europe that is supported by both sides. The Partnership will focus particularly on promoting education, employment, economic growth, regional development and youth mobility.

The European Union has already pledged to provide EUR 400 million to fund these initiatives. Extra funding of up to EUR 600 million could be made available for 2017-2020.

There is a particular focus on youth mobility in relations between the EU and Tunisia. A target has therefore been set whereby some 1 500 young Tunisians (students, young people, youth workers, researchers and university staff) would be able to come to Europe every year between now and 2020, primarily through the Erasmus+ programme, but also as part of the implementation of Tunisia’s membership of the Horizon 2020 programme.

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