Sustainability of EU-Tunisia trade relations, with a focus on Tunisian olive oil value chain

What is it about?

Trade agreements between the European Union (EU) and developing countries are often used to promote sustainable development within economic cooperation. The EU-Tunisia trade relations have a long history, starting with the Association Agreement in place and the ongoing negotiations for the new Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement, for further liberalizing the agricultural sector. This study investigates the effects on sustainability of these bilateral relations, with a focus on Tunisian olive oil value chain, considering both the current Free Trade Agreement (FTA) impacts and the future DCFTA agreement expected effects. A two-steps qualitative process consisting of a desk analysis and stakeholders’ consultations has been undertaken to report socioeconomic and environmental effects, suggesting policy interventions to be considered within the negotiations framework. Main actions needed encompass an inclusive renovation of Tunisian olive oil sector, a rethinking of exports’ tariff quota system to the EU, with special attention to organic olive oil, and water-efficient cultivation systems interventions.

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Why is it important?

The work enriches the debate on EU-Tunisia trade relations and may be of particular interest to policymakers and other actors involved in the negotiations for the new Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement to gain a more detailed overview in terms of actions to be pursued in line with the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of the parties involved.

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