Quotes

 “Our aim is to support the new Tunisia’s democratic and economic transition through projects to encourage growth and employment for young people, development and the modernisation of infrastructure. This was the pledge we made to the people of Tunisia following the Revolution. Through this action we will be improving the daily life of Tunisians. We are preparing the future of the younger generations.” 

 "During the Tunisian revolution, marginalised populations demanded more dignified living conditions, decent jobs and a more inclusive economic and social development. The European Union continues to contribute concretely to the achievement of these objectives and takes the difficulties encountered by the population head on. Through our new programme [a €33 million financial assistance programme for the renovation of 119 working-class neighbourhoods in Tunisia and the improvement of the lives of hundreds of thousands of people living in these areas], we will improve the lives of thousands of people living in many disadvantaged neighbourhoods." 

 “Through this second phase of support to the Association Agreement and the transition, the European Commission expresses its confidence in the transition process undertaken since the revolution. In addition to supporting the efforts of the Tunisian authorities to sustain the democratic gains of the revolution, the EU will help the actors of civil society who have a vital role to play in creating a state of law, defining public policy, respect of human rights, freedom of association, expression and freedom of media." 

 It is remarkable that the EU was able to finance projects retrospectively or mobilise large sums of money so quickly or even change the rules so that different political actors could fully participate in the country’s political and social life.

 “Through this new Program [a 68-million-Euro program to support far-reaching reforms in the economic and social sectors and in the field of good governance], the European Commission would like to support the recovery process of the Tunisian economy undertaken since the revolution and pursued by the government that came to power after the elections of October 2011”, said Štefan Füle, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy. “Apart from the support to the efforts of the authorities to speed up growth to create jobs, reduce regional disparities and reinforce social protection, the European Union is also determined to accompany the implementation of democratic institutions and the rule of law.”

 "When I was in Tunis last July [2012] I outlined four concrete point of our assistance: Privileged Partnership and a New Action Plan, negotiations of trade agreements, a new agreement in the aviation area to boost tourism and proposing a mobility partnership. Today we are delivering on the first one. We are serious with our promises. [..] We are offering the prospect of a gradual integration of the Tunisian economy into our internal market. This will not only offer additional market access and stimulus for reforms but will also send a strong signal of openness and confidence to investors. [..] I am fully aware that there are high expectations regarding the issue of improving mobility of people. This is a legitimate concern. Quick progress on talks on the mobility partnership would give a first, concrete, and symbolic response to Tunisian expectations on mobility and labour exchanges." 

 “The MicroMED Tunisia programme is an excellent example of how partners can come together in support of a higher objective, which is the promotion of financial inclusion through our projects. In concert with the Government of Luxembourg and ADA [the NGO Appui au Développement Autonome], we can achieve a greater outcome by better assisting the development of the Tunisian microfinance sector. We hope that in the near future we can replicate this promising initiative to the other countries in the region.” 

 "The EU remains determined to move forward with Tunisia towards a privileged partnership through a new Action Plan. [..]Our ultimate goal remains the establishment of a deep and comprehensive free trade area with Tunisia. [..]The EU is ready to conclude mobility partnership with Tunisia. This would be the first partnership with the region, in clear recognition of the pioneering role Tunisia in the Arab Spring. [..] Tolerance, respect and dialogue are the only weapon to promote better understanding between our societies." 

 "Tunisia is the best and most tangible example of how the 'more for more' principle works in support of democratic transformation in our neighbourhood. [..] To achieve the goals of the revolution requires time, dedication, strong will and also patience. The experience from some of the newer EU Member States shows that thorough transformation from an autocratic system to a deep and sustainable democracy can take years." 

“Tunisia's considerable progress in aligning its legislative system with EU rules underlines the country's strong commitment to boost its economy. A strong industrial cooperation is of mutual benefit for Mediterranean neighbours and the EU."

“The EU looks forward to working closely with the new Constituent Assembly and the Tunisian authorities and institutions in responding to the Tunisian people’s demands for democracy, freedom, social justice and dignity.”

"Tunisia is setting an example for the region. The European commission, through the new framework of the ENP, has developed new initiatives and instruments to support the emerging new Tunisia and to ensure that we can support the transition in the short and long term.”

“A new Tunisia is emerging: open, dynamic, prosperous, and democratic. The EU is committed to doing all it can to help.”

“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to build deep and lasting democracy and prosperity in the Southern Mediterranean – doing so will require vision, perseverance and a team effort from all of Europe's institutions.”

“Employment is our priority action, especially in disadvantaged areas such as Gafsa, with the aim of providing opportunities for the youth. That's why we support projects with high industrial potential, a real leverage of economic growth and social integration for Tunisia."

"Carbon and water footprints have become very important concepts nowadays, allowing us to estimate the environmental behaviour of a building, a product, an organisation, etc. Tunisia can benefit from the application of such indicators to monitor its carbon and water footprint. I truly believe that Horizon 2020 improves the skills of managers in the region, helping us to protect our beloved sea."

“Tunisia will be facing a deficit in its water balance by 2030. For this reason the reuse of treated waste water is one of the central issues for national environmental policy. This training provides us a useful opportunity not only for building capacities but also for formulating ideas to be further developed by the professionals from the relevant sectors that are present.”

"The EU needs to be an active, ambitious and cohesive force, which upholds the values on which it was built. We need to help our Eastern and Southern neighbours in their fight for human dignity, freedom and democracy... Today, we can do what Robert Schuman did in 1950: reach our hand to those who share our dreams, but who have not been on the winning side of history. The people of Belarus, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria and so many other countries ask for our solidarity."

“Women have played a key role in the revolution. Now Tunisia has the opportunity to further consolidate gender equality and end all forms of discrimination against women in law and in practice. By putting these principles at the heart of all ongoing political reforms, Tunisia can be a beacon of innovation for the region and beyond.”

“Emigration is not the solution to the economic challenges of this country [Tunisia]. The long-term solution is economic and social development based on the talents and the energy of the Tunisian people.”

“We had planned to spend €160 million in Tunisia in 2012 and 2013. In the best-case scenario, in line with the ambitious reforms launched by the government that the Tunisian people will choose, I could envisage a doubling of this amount. And some of it could even be engaged from this year.”

“It is with some emotion that I return to Tunisia, where I find a country that has changed dramatically since my last visit. I am Czech, and I lived through a similar transformation in my own country. I remember very well the sense of deliverance and hope in the future that followed our velvet revolution. Today, with its genuinely popular and democratic revolution, Tunisia is setting an example. The Tunisian people deserve all our admiration.”

“The demonstrators on the streets of Tunis, Cairo and elsewhere have clearly expressed that human dignity and the universal values attached to it belong to nobody. This is why I am deeply attached to referring to them as shared values between the European Union and its neighbours — and this is much more than a semantic difference.”

"This exchange [EUMEDCONNECT2 project] is a great time-saver and, first and foremost, helps us to select the people who can benefit from surgery. We have a lot to thank the project for, as it has allowed us to make significant progress in processing the cases of prospective surgery patients.”

“The freedom that the Tunisian people are rediscovering can allow them to achieve an increase in GDP growth of several points a year. We are conscious of the need to act fast and very efficiently so that the hope for a better future does not give way to a major economic and social explosion.”

“We would like one day to see products made in Agadir Zone, using accumulation of origin rules from industries in the four member states, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco.”

“We are at the beginning of what might become a renewed partnership between the Northern and Southern shores of the Mediterranean, a partnership that will be based on truly shared values: justice and peace, democracy and freedom. This will be a partnership of the people, by the people and for the people.”

“Tunisia wants to be a stable democracy, in full respect of fundamental rights and freedoms. It wants free and fair, inclusive elections. They want to write a new page in their history. And we want to support them in this endeavour.”