EU offers Tunisia aid package of up to 900 million euros

The EU, Italian and Dutch leaders visited Tunisia on Sunday for talks on helping its troubled economy and on reducing the flow of irregular migrants to Europe. The north African country, now in discussions for an IMF bailout loan, is a major gateway for migrants and asylum-seekers attempting the dangerous Mediterranean sea crossings.

The European Union is ready to offer Tunisia a package that includes up to 900 million euros in financial assistance, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday. During a news conference in Tunis, Von der Leyen said the aid was part of a five-point programme, which includes support in the fight against illegal migration, that she had proposed to Tunisia's President Kais Saied.