Tunisia: Migration, Energy and the EU’s Changing Approach

What does the future hold for EU-Africa cooperation? Are we witnessing a true partnership of equals or simply old patterns dressed in new language?In this new podcast series by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Europe and Africa: Shaping a New Era of Dialogue, we explore the evolving relationship between the two continents at a time of shifting global power balances. Building on extensive field research and local engagement, each episode delves into the key drivers of change and the challenges ahead for an equal and sustainable partnership.In this first episode, hosted by Akram Ezzamouri, Researcher in the Mediterranean Middle East and Africa program at IAI, the focus is on Tunisia – once a symbol of democratic promise, now increasingly shaped by authoritarian shift. The episode unpacks how EU and Italian engagement with Tunisia has evolved in recent years, particularly around migration and energy cooperation. It highlights how Tunisia’s domestic political regression has not diminished but rather reinforced its strategic relevance for the EU, especially following the July 2023 migration deal. Yet, this shift raises pressing questions about democracy, transparency, accountability and long-term sustainability. The episode also explores Tunisia’s role in Europe’s energy transition plans and Italy’s Mattei Plan, warning that without inclusive governance and public participation, the risk is replicating extractive models rather than fostering a just and equal partnership.