Hello ESTers, how have you been?



This is the Observatory, and here is InsideMENA, the EST’s bimonthly newsletter that uncovers the latest news from the Middle East and North Africa touching upon the EU’s interests and beyond, as well as a light dose of culture pills you can find at the end.



And now, without further ado, let’s dive right InsideMENA!



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Edited by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari and Sibilla Gosso



Note that the information, views and opinions set out in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the editors, of the European Student ThinkTank, and of their affiliated-entities or institutions.







The European Commission to overhaul funding to Tunisia amid migrant abuse

By Alicia

A controversial deal. More than a year and a half ago, The EU and Tunisia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their relations, particularly in migration. From the beginning, the deal has been criticised for legitimising Tunisia’s democratic backsliding and escalating migrant abuses. Multiple actors voiced their concerns, from European and Tunisian civil entities to EU institutions like the European Parliament and Ombudsman.



A “safe country”? Coupled with a general worsening of human rights and civil freedoms, migrants in Tunisia have been particularly affected by the rise of populist discourse and violent crackdowns. Since 2023, Sub-Saharan Africans have faced unprecedented marginalisation, inadequate access to basic services, and episodes of massive expulsions to the desertic borders. Reports have documented cases of torture, rape, and even death at the hands of the EU-funded Tunisian forces. As the cherry on top, a recent investigation has exposed the Tunisian authorities’ implications in expelling and selling Sub-Saharan Africans to the Libyan army, well known for its ransom and torture practices.



The Commission finally reconsiders its deal with Tunisia but…. After ignoring the elephant in the room for months, EU officials have recently declared they would overhaul funding to Tunisia unless human rights are respected. This could affect payments of tens of millions of euros over the next years and sour the tone between the EU and Tunis. And while concrete actions are assured to be taken, there are still no details or official announcements. Anyway, let’s see if Brussels manages to address the harm done.





The Riviera of the Middle East, Built on Ethnic Cleansing

By Giulia

Donald Trump has wasted no time in making his intentions for Gaza brutally clear: evacuate all two million Palestinians, hand over the territory to U.S. ownership, and launch a reconstruction effort to turn the rubble into a riviera - with no right of return for Palestinians.



The implications? Catastrophic. The ethnic cleansing of Gaza and the US’ land grab would upend regional stability, send existing peace treaties into the abyss, and renew the legitimacy of Iran's proxies. Jordan and Egypt have already firmly rejected any suggestion of taking in displaced Palestinians: if Trump follows through, their long-standing peace deals with Israel could be the first casualties. Egypt has already spelled it out: an Israeli attempt to push Palestinians out would signal the end of their peace agreement with Israel, and it appears to be no bluff. Egyptian state media, academics, activists, and even the Muslim Brotherhood are, for once, speaking in unison—this is a red line. Gulf states are also far from backing Trump's vision, reiterating their support for Palestinian statehood.



Enter U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This week, he is embarking on a high-stakes tour of the Middle East, facing leaders who are rightfully not receptive to Trump’s plans. Discussions with Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are set to centre around Trump's provocative remarks, but also efforts to prevent the fragile ceasefire from collapsing entirely. But while some Arab states may attempt to wield their ongoing normalisation talks with Israel as a bargaining chip to push back against Trump’s plans, their reliance on U.S. security guarantees and financial aid—particularly in the cases of Jordan and Egypt—leaves them vulnerable. Ultimately, this visit will be a test for both Trump and the region. Will Trump’s rhetoric translate into concrete action? And will Arab governments hold their ground under U.S. pressure?