The European Union is set to ‘swiftly’ disburse 127 million euros as part of a July deal to halt irregular migration.
The European Union is to start releasing money to Tunisia under a pact aimed at stemming irregular migration from the country, the European Commission has said.
A first payment of 127 million euros ($135m) will be disbursed “in the coming days”, commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero said.
Pisonero added that, of the 127 million euros to be “swiftly” disbursed, 42 million euros ($44.7m) came under the migration aspect of the July deal. The rest was for previously agreed programmes, with 60 million euros ($63.9m) to help Tunisia with its budget.
Tunisia is one of the main launching points for boats carrying refugees and migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean for Europe, with most heading for Italy, in particular its island of Lampedusa.
