Europe's Struggle to Curb Irregular Migration: A Collaborative Approach with Tunisia

Here, in the governorate of Sfax, in central-eastern Tunisia, not far from the coasts of Malta and the Italian island of Sicily, migrant trade towards Europe is thriving, facilitated by criminal networks.

Migrants from North African countries such as Libya, Egypt, and Morocco are heading towards Southern Europe, including Italy, Greece, France, and Spain, in search of a better life. For example, the destination of this boat was Europe, but the Tunisian National Guard thwarted it.

This scene has been recurring frequently in recent times. 

However, Europe's patience is running out, and countries are taking steps to limit or prevent this migration, such as Italy and France. France's Interior Minister stated that their country would not welcome any migrants coming from Lampedusa, the Italian island that has recently witnessed significant waves of migration.

French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced this stance, saying that France had not fallen short in fulfilling its role in receiving migrants. But how will the continent address this issue?

Macron proposed involving Southern Mediterranean countries, especially Tunisia, with studies, experts, and equipment on their coasts to combat these smugglers within a respectful partnership.

The European Commission announced last week that it would immediately disburse approximately $135 million to Tunisia to combat irregular migration from Africa to Europe.
In the end, will all these European efforts succeed in curbing illegal migration, for which European countries are paying a high price?