01/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - Member states validate macro-assistance of €500 million euros. On Wednesday 1 June, EU Permanent Representatives (Coreper) approved without amendment, the European Commission's proposal to grant macro-financial assistance to Tunisia (see EUROPE 11489). This assistance will be shared with the IMF and will last two and a half years. It takes the shape of loans with an average maximum maturity of 15 years and will be disbursed in three tranches. It will be awarded on the condition that the Tunisian authorities apply budgetary and structural measures that still need to be defined, as well as respect for democratic mechanisms, the rule of law and human rights, according to a Council press release. The European Parliament will give its decision on this assistance during the June plenary session. (MB)