🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Tunisia seeks strengthened strategic partnership with Northern European countries
via Business News2 min read
Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired a working session on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with ambassadors from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The meeting reviewed relations between Tunisia and these Northern European countries, both bilaterally and as a regional bloc. The Minister emphasized Tunisia's desire to diversify its economic partners in Europe by engaging more with Nordic countries, recognized for their leadership in priority sectors such as sustainable development, green economy, modern technologies, governance, health, higher education, scientific research, and vocational training. Nafti highlighted the potential for complementarity and called for fully exploiting identified opportunities. He also stressed the importance of following up on the results of his tour in the region in April and June 2025, noting that discussions during that period provided concrete avenues for advancing cooperation. He renewed his invitation to his Nordic counterparts to visit Tunisia to continue consultations and translate opportunities into operational programs. The Minister underscored the need to prepare for the third edition of the Sustainable Business Forum between Tunisia and Nordic countries, scheduled for late 2026, with the aim of expanding its scope for tangible results. The ambassadors reaffirmed their countries' commitment to strengthening cooperation with Tunisia, noting a clear convergence in identifying common priorities. They praised Tunisia as a se
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Must ReadDonald Trump has significantly escalated rhetoric against Iran, claiming the United States now has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for nearly 20% of global oil. The US President ordered the navy to "open fire" on any Iranian vessel involved in mining operations in the area, emphasizing there should be "no hesitation." This directive was issued in messages published on Truth Social on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Simultaneously, Washington is continuing demining operations in the strait, a process expected to last several months. This escalation occurs as Tehran has closed this key maritime corridor, leading to a collapse in traffic. Trump also stated he is under no pressure to end the conflict, believing he has "all the time necessary," unlike Iran, for which "the countdown has begun." The US President described a significantly degraded Iranian military situation, citing neutralized naval and air capabilities and destroyed defense systems. He also asserted that the blockade imposed by the United States is "hermetic." Any prospect of an agreement, according to him, remains conditioned on the strategic interests of Washington and its allies, in a context where the confrontation around Hormuz poses major risks to global energy supply and regional stability.
Tunisian date exports have reached approximately 108,000 tonnes, valued at nearly 705 million dinars, as of April 10, 2026. This growth is supported by an expansion to 94 export markets, up from 91 in the previous campaign, with European markets remaining the largest buyers and gradual improvements in access to Asian markets. These figures were presented during a parliamentary hearing by the productive sectors committee, with representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce discussing the past season and future market opportunities. The 2025/2026 production season is notable for exceeding 400,000 tonnes for the first time, reaching an estimated 404,000 tonnes. The Deglet Ennour variety accounts for 347,000 tonnes, with other varieties making up 57,000 tonnes. While this performance reflects overall sector growth, revenues for the 2024/2025 season were higher, at around 857 million dinars. Challenges identified include transport and storage constraints due to administrative procedures, a perceived drop in export prices not reflecting product quality, and non-compliance with reference prices by some operators. Preparations for the 2026/2027 season include farmer awareness campaigns, oasis maintenance, and pollination monitoring. Authorities are also securing inputs like liquid sulfur and additional mosquito nets. Quality improvement programs focus on mechanization, disease control, production standard optimization, and a regulatory framework revision for support
Must ReadThe National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists SNJT issued a statement on Thursday, April 23, 2026, condemning the arrest of journalist Yathreb Mechri, founder of Tunisia24, calling it an attack on journalistic freedom. Mechri was arrested on Wednesday, April 22, while reporting on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis. She was taken to the Bab Bhar police station and then transferred to the competent judicial police brigade. According to her testimony, she was not wanted or subject to any judicial proceedings at the time of her arrest and was simply performing her duties. The SNJT highlighted several irregularities, stating that Mechri was questioned despite her request for a postponement in the absence of her lawyer and without an official summons. The syndicate noted she had previously been questioned regarding the same case, which involved content published on her website and financial management aspects of her media outlet. The situation escalated when a citizen filed a complaint against her concerning a video distributed on the website's social media. A confrontation ensued, after which Mechri agreed to remove the video. The SNJT expressed solidarity with Mechri and independent journalists, rejecting any prosecution outside the legal framework governing the profession. The syndicate also called on the Ministry of Interior regarding what it termed "procedural shortcomings," including the arrest without clear legal grounds and the lack of an official summons. This incident occu
Former deputy and lawyer Seif Eddine Makhlouf announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026, through his lawyer Abdelwaheb Maatar, his categorical refusal to appear before Tunisian courts in the future, citing a lack of independence. Makhlouf, currently detained in Sfax prison, expressed anger over his transfer from Mornaguia prison, calling the decision "arbitrary" and "illegal," despite finding current detention conditions acceptable. He challenges the entire judicial system, stating he no longer recognizes "judges," "justice," or "law," and refers to cases as fabricated, denouncing "violations" and "excesses." Makhlouf considers his decision to boycott hearings, which he views as "mock trials," to be "definitive," believing his presence would only "legitimize" a judicial charade. He attributes his and other activists' incarcerations to "political orders" that he believes will eventually disappear. Makhlouf, who was transferred to Sfax prison on April 7, 2026, after his extradition from Algeria on January 18, remains hopeful for a change in the situation, despite being prepared for a prolonged detention. His stance follows the confirmation of a five-month prison sentence on March 31, 2026, in the "airport case" from March 2021, involving an altercation with security forces. He also faces other convictions related to political altercations, social media posts, and undermining the prestige of military justice, which include a five-year ban from practicing law. This position marks a c