Brussels, 31/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - A seminar on training for the law profession was held in Tunis on 31 May under the aegis of the Commission. On the same occasion, a programme was launched for providing support for strengthening the institutional capabilities of the Institut Supérieur de la Profession d'Avocat (ISPA). The programme comes within the framework of the “Neighbourhood” action plan, “P3All European Union - Tunisia”, which has a budget of €629,965 for 18 months (13 February to 12 August 2013). French and Italian lawyers' associations are contributing to achievement of the project to support the country's democratic transition.
The EU's ambassador to Tunis explained that the ISPA project is a direct consequence of the revolution of 14 January 2011 (when lawyers were among the main players). He added that the EU has decided to support transition to democracy by doubling European aid to reach a total of €130 million in donations. Furthermore, in agreement with the Tunisian authorities, the EU envisages a whole series of areas for intervention, especially the justice sector, added Adrianus Koestenruijter. A new project aimed at the field of justice and the penitentiary system is to begin end 2012 for around €20-25 million, the ambassador states, going on to say: “We are also providing assistance for recovery of Tunisian assets in the EU, the training of magistrates through study visits, and also counter-corruption”. (FB/transl.jl)