Brussels, 17/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - European support to Tunisia will be greater than in 2013, Commissioner for Enlargement and the European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle said during his visit to Tunisia (13 and 14 March). His words, spoken by at a press conference to close his two-day mission to the country, were taken up by all sections of the media. They also reported back on his visits to the various authorities of the country, from Prime Minister to President of the Republic, from Speaker of the Assembly to President of UTICA (employers' organisation) and civil society organisations.
The question remains as to whether the commissioner succeeded in reassuring a fairly disappointed Tunisia, which seems to have got the impression that, by way of solidarity, the EU has mainly paid out words. Füle took great pains to refute this impression, giving the Tunisian general public detailed figures of aid he intends to increase - since 2011, aid has amounted to €500 million (nearly €150 million a year) and there are plans to double the annual rate.
However, the commissioner observed that there is an obligation to make progress in the political transition in the country: “Much remains to be done. There are the elections to prepare for, the economy to be kickstarted and security to be improved. It is vital that security be restored, as it remains a priority not just for the economy, but also for society”, he said.
He also referred to the election process - general elections have been promised for the end of the year. Füle said that “at the request of the Tunisian authorities, the EU is prepared to lend the election process its expertise by sending observers to monitor the elections”. (FB)