The European Union signed a migration agreement with Tunisia in 2023, a deal that Brussels has since described as a success in managing irregular migration flows from North Africa. But not everyone shares that optimistic assessment. Migration researcher Kohlenberger, speaking to tagesschau24, has offered a pointed critique: Europe, she argues, is making itself dependent on governments that are not fully democratic. For expats, immigrants, and anyone tracking the political forces shaping migration to Germany and Europe, this debate matters — it goes to the heart of how the continent decides who gets to move, and on whose terms.
The 2023 agreement between the European Union and Tunisia is part of a wider strategy of partnering with North African countries to reduce irregular migration into Europe. In exchange for economic support and cooperation, Tunisia takes on a role in managing and limiting migration departures from its territory and coastline.
Brussels has presented the deal as a model for managing migration at its source — an approach that Germany's Foreign Minister Wadephul is now seeking to extend to Algeria as well. The logic is that cooperation with transit and origin countries reduces the number of people making dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean.
Migration researcher Kohlenberger does not dispute the EU's intent, but she challenges its consequences. Her central argument, as reported in the interview, is that Europe is making itself dependent on governments that are not, in her words, "lupenreine Demokratien" — roughly translated as fully or genuinely democratic states.
This dependency, she suggests, carries real risks. When Europe's migration management relies on the cooperation of governments with questionable democratic credentials, it may compromise the EU's ability to hold those governments to human rights standards. It also gives those governments political leverage over Europe.
This is not a fringe position. Critics of the EU-Tunisia deal have pointed to concerns about human rights conditions for migrants in Tunisia, the treatment of sub-Saharan African migrants there, and the democratic trajectory of the Tunisian government since its 2021 political changes.
For people already living in Germany under a valid Aufenthaltstitel or in an active asylum process, this policy debate does not translate into immediate changes to your legal situation. Migration agreements between the EU and third countries primarily affect border management and deterrence at the point of departure — they do not retroactively alter the rights of people already in the European Union.
However, the direction of travel matters for anyone considering migration to Germany through legal or irregular channels. A Europe that increasingly outsources migration control to third-country governments is one that is likely to maintain or tighten restrictions on irregular entry, regardless of which political party holds power in Berlin or Brussels.
Not directly. The 2023 agreement primarily concerns border management and cooperation between the EU and Tunisia. It does not change the legal framework for asylum applications processed inside Germany. If you have questions about your specific case, contact BAMF or seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or recognised support organisation.
Kohlenberger's concerns are shared by a number of migration researchers and human rights organisations, though they are contested by EU officials who view the deal as a practical success. This is an active policy debate, not a settled question. Following reputable academic and policy sources will help you stay informed as the discussion evolves.
The EU-Tunisia migration agreement represents a significant moment in European migration policy — and the debate around it is far from over. Researcher Kohlenberger's warning about democratic dependency deserves to be taken seriously as Germany and the EU pursue similar deals with other North African states. If you are affected by migration policy in Germany, stay informed, follow BAMF updates, and consult qualified legal advisors when making decisions about your status or future steps.
Source: tagesschau
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