The failed ALECA negotiations between the EU and Tunisia revealed a range of issues which any future cooperation between the EU and the Maghreb needs to be aware of. Beyond trade liberalisation, the main issue is the political importance of agriculture. The EU should reconsider its engagement in North Africa. It should prioritise localised, bottom-up initiatives that strengthen small farmers' capacities, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance community resilience to climate change and external disruptions. Czechia can contribute to this approach by applying successful development cooperation models from Zambia, Ethiopia, and Georgia. These could focus on implementing climate-smart farming hubs, community food-resilience programmes, and support for traditional agricultural products in Tunisia.