Philipp Wagner is a visiting fellow in the Middle East and North Africa programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
In his policy report, Wagner examines how clean energy cooperation could become a cornerstone of the EU’s new Pact for the Mediterranean—a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Europe and its southern neighbours. He argues that while the EU and Tunisia share an interest in advancing Tunisia’s green transition, deteriorating political conditions under President Kais Saied have strained relations.
So far, Europe has struggled to develop a coherent approach that aligns its energy ambitions with Tunisia’s complex political reality. Wagner calls for a new strategy rooted in tangible, mutually beneficial projects that deliver economic and social gains for both sides. Such an approach, he suggests, could not only support Tunisia’s development and empower its citizens but also serve as a test case for the EU’s broader green diplomacy in politically sensitive contexts.