Brussels, 12/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - After his meeting with Tunisian Prime Minister Béji Caied Essebsi on Tuesday 12 April, in Tunisia, José Manuel Barroso said Tunisia was the first country to begin the process of transition towards democracy and he would like to see it become the “first example of the new generation of the EU's partnership … for democracy and shared prosperity”.
This partnership must be formed along three main lines: - targeted support for democratic transition, close partnership with the population, and stimulation for inclusive economic growth and job creation.
In order to put these priorities into practice, the Commission will redirect its assistance programme amounting to €4 billion for the EU's southern neighbours for the period 2011-2013. For Tunisia itself, Barroso said, a further €140 million could be made available on top of the budget already allocated for the years 2011-2013 (worth €257 million).
Speaking of the question of migration, the European Commission said Europe and Tunisia will tackle the problem together in a spirit of cooperation. According to Barroso, migration must be seen as a “common challenge, a shared responsibility”. He said the EU expected “strong and clear action from Tunisia in accepting the readmission of its nationals who had arrived in Europe through irregular means, and in the struggle against irregular migration”. Europe, he went on to say, is willing to help Tunisia by allocating additional means to it, but, he said, the Tunisian authorities must be more committed. Furthermore, “emigration is not the solution to the economic challenges of this country”, Barroso said, adding that “the long-term solution lies in economic and social development based on the talents and the energy of the Tunisian people”. He said the EU was willing to contribute to this economic recovery and to the fight against poverty including through greater market access. (L.C./transl.jl)