The European Commission reacted to the summoning of the EU ambassador to Tunisia by President Kaïs Saïed, following his meeting with the secretary general of the UGTT.
Brussels insists on diplomatic practices and recalls that dialogue with actors from civil society or the trade union world is an integral part of the role of diplomats.
A summons to the palace of Carthage which makes Brussels react
On November 25, 2025, President Kaïs Saïed summoned Giuseppe Perrone, European Union ambassador to Tunisia, to make an official protest. The presidency considered that the meeting between the diplomat and Noureddine Taboubi, secretary general of the UGTT, constituted a violation of diplomatic practices, conducted outside the official channels of the Tunisian state.
According to the Carthage press release, the ambassador is required, as a plenipotentiary representative, to strictly respect the standards governing his relations with Tunisian institutions.
This clarification comes after several meetings between Giuseppe Perrone and social and economic actors, including Samir Majoul, president of Utica, aimed at strengthening dialogue between civil society and the European Union.
Brussels’ response: the natural role of diplomats
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, during the daily press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stressed that diplomats naturally engage with a wide range of interlocutors, including unions and civil society organizations, which contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
He recalled the historic role of the UGTT, member of the National Dialogue Quartet honored with the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize, for its contribution to the establishment of democracy in Tunisia. For Brussels, these contacts are an integral part of the diplomatic mission, even if they do not replace official channels.
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