One month before the entry into force of the European Carbon Mechanism (CBAM), the European Union is intensifying its support for Tunisian SMEs to help them measure their emissions, modernize their production tools and prepare for the new climate obligations which will condition access to the European market.
The European Union has announced an expanded set of assistance programs for Tunisian small and medium-sized businesses, in anticipation of the application of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
From the start of 2026, exporters will have to declare the carbon footprint of their products intended for the European market. Local companies, particularly in industry and the agri-food sector, are called upon to quickly adapt their processes. The European measures deployed in Tunisia aim to reduce the risk of commercial disruption and to support the ecological transition of the economic fabric.
Strengthened support for compliance with climate standards
The Trade and Competitiveness program (TCP) constitutes one of the pillars of this strategy: targeted subsidies, facilitation of access to financing via risk-sharing mechanisms and training sessions to help SMEs measure their emissions and adapt their production.
The GEFF Tunisia program, oriented towards the green economy, mobilizes credit lines from Tunisian banks to finance energy efficiency, the purchase of low-carbon equipment and renewable energy solutions. Financial incentives complement these investments to encourage a rapid transition.
In the agricultural and agri-food sectors, the PACE-AMIT program supports the modernization of value chains, obtaining certifications and preparing for export, in order to align Tunisian standards with European requirements.
At the same time, the TAIEX instrument provides technical support to administrations: regulatory upgrades, digitalization of services, harmonization with European standards and strengthening of environmental governance.
CBAM, a turning point for Tunisian exports
European institutions emphasize the urgency of rapid adaptation by Tunisian companies in order to avoid carbon penalties or a loss of export competitiveness.
The Tunisian authorities, for their part, encourage companies to measure their emissions, reduce their carbon footprint and acquire the status of “MACF exporter” or to appoint an accredited indirect representative to manage declarations.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism constitutes one of the key tools of the European Green Deal. It requires companies exporting to the EU to declare their emissions integrated into products – the first step before the implementation, in a later phase, of a carbon tariff adjusted for entry into the European market.
Tunisia, a significant part of whose exports are destined for Europe, must therefore accelerate the upgrading of its standards to avoid a trade imbalance or marginalization of its traditional industries.
What is the carbon mechanism?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), also called Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), is a European Union climate policy tool aimed at taxing the carbon incorporated in certain imported products in order to:
1. Limit carbon leakage
If countries exporting to the EU have lower environmental standards, their products can be “cheaper” thanks to high CO₂ emissions. The CBAM aims to prevent polluting production from moving outside the EU, so-called “carbon leakage”.
2. Encourage the reduction of export emissions
Companies exporting to the EU will have to declare the amount of CO₂ emitted to make their products. Depending on the level of emissions, they will have to pay a price corresponding to the cost of European carbon, which encourages them to adopt cleaner technologies.
3. Target specific sectors
To begin with, the CBAM covers carbon-intensive products: steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity and certain chemicals. Ultimately, it could expand to other sectors.
4. Convenient operation
The exporter declares his CO₂ emissions for each product destined for the EU. The European authority calculates the carbon amount to pay, which depends on the price of a tonne of CO₂ on the European market. If the exporting country already applies an equivalent carbon tax, this is deducted to avoid double taxation.
5. Overall objectives
Reduce global CO₂ emissions by making polluting production less competitive, encourage green innovation in third countries, protect European industries which already respect strict environmental standards.
In summary, the CBAM is both an economic and ecological instrument, which combines regulation of international trade and the fight against climate change.
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