Europe discusses cancellation of travel ban to Tunisia

EU member states Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are considering lifting the ban imposed on their citizens to travel to Tunisia, the Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

These remarks came during a press conference for their prime ministers held jointly with the Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed after a meeting held in the headquarters of the Tunisian government.

Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel said that the three countries, known as the Benelux Union, are studying the lift of the travel ban, but reiterated “this needs a number of measures which should be discussed by officials in these countries.”

He also said that the stability of the security situation in Tunis would open the door for “the return of foreign investments and encourage businessmen heading to the Tunisian market.”

Meanwhile, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said that their visit to Tunis is a “step preceding the lift on the travel ban.”

A number of EU countries imposed a travel ban in the wake of a series of terrorist attacks targeting locals and foreigners in Tunis last year.

Chahed said that the officials discussed the proposal of lifting the travel ban, citing improvements in the security situation in the country.

The discussions also included talks about reinforcing mutual relations. He called for greater security cooperation with the three countries in the fight against “terrorism and organised crime”.