Brussels, 09/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - At its plenary session on Wednesday 8 July, the European Parliament held a special debate on aid to Tunisia without adopting a resolution, at a session attended by the Commissioner for the Neighbourhood Policy, Johannes Hahn.
The MEPs analysed the situation in this country, particularly regarding the growing insecurity following the recent terrorist attacks at a seaside resort (Sousse) and pro-jihadi pressure on its borders with Libya. This examination of the situation also looked at the level of economic and financial support to the country. The MEPs called for more consistent concrete support, for economic development and employment as well as to reinforce security. Calls were also made to reactivate the European assistance mission for the management of the Libyan borders (“EUBAM Libya”).
The creation of a kind of 'Marshall plan' was proposed by Gianni Pittella (S&D, Italy), supported by almost all of his colleagues from different groups. Commissioner Hahn, who opened the session, said that he was in favour of this idea, which is already being discussed with the World Bank, but to include countries other than Tunisia as well.
In his opening speech, Hahn also stressed the urgency of the situation. “The terrorists have struck at the backbone” of the Tunisian economy, tourism. He said that the EU “has already been supporting Tunisian efforts since 2011”, having proposed this year €187 million in direct aid and €100 million, a third of the macro-financial support pledged to this country. The full amount (€300 million) could be disbursed sooner, he intimated, going on to say that additional support of €70 million is being looked at. The EU does not stint with its support, but its “programming needs to be prudent” in this brittle country, he said. As regards security, a concrete commitment to train and equip the police forces has been made. This commitment was described by the Commissioner as particularly important as, he explained, the country is “in a very particular state of instability”. Whilst understanding the measures taken in Tunisia (a state of emergency was proclaimed a few days ago), a number of MEPs stressed the duty of safeguarding freedoms in this country in an “exemplary” situation as the only Arab “nascent democracy”. In conclusion, Commissioner Hahn, who announced no concrete commitments, said that continued contact was underway and that the Tunisian Foreign Minister would be a special guest at the lunch on the sidelines of the Council of Ministers of the EU on 20 July. (Fathi B'Chir)