Officially Rutte, Meloni and Von der Leyen go to Tunisia to discuss economic cooperation, energy and migration issues. But above all the latter is the essence of European leaders, says political journalist Leendert Beekman. The European Union wants a migration deal with Tunisia to ensure there are no more illegal migrant crossings from the country. They cross the Mediterranean on boats from Tunisia, often at the risk of their lives.
Beekman thinks the EU is seeking a deal like the one it did with Turkey in 2016. As a result, asylum seekers who want to make the perilous crossing would be welcomed into Tunisia.
Ruth
For Prime Minister Rutte personally, it is important that an agreement is reached, thinks Beekman, especially in view of the next VVD congress. ‘He will go there at least to get something on the migration. He has to show his supporters: We will do something about the influx of asylum seekers. He promised it at his party.’
Even more important than an agreement in Tunisia for Rutte is what is happening today in Luxembourg, Beekman thinks. 27 ministers and state secretaries met there to discuss the distribution of asylum seekers in Europe and border procedures. “I think it’s even more important that something comes of it today.”
According to Beekman, Rutte won’t get there with just good deals. “Eventually you will also have to see it reflected in the figures,” said the political journalist. ‘In Ter Apel, people won’t have to lie down outside in the summer. If the influx is not eventually limited, Rutte will still have a big problem.’