“The European Union confirms its commitment to carry on its partnership with Tunisia, by granting a donation worth 400 million Euros and 3 billion Euros in loans (2011-2013), to serve in boosting the country’s development and creating new jobs opportunities,” said Mr. Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal Market, Services and Financial Regulation.
In a statement to the press after his meeting on Saturday in Tunis with Caretaker Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi, the EU official paid tribute to the “great democratic transition conducted by the people of Tunisia” and the success of the Constituent Assembly elections as well as the development plan prepared by the Interim Government for the next five years.
He emphasized, in this connection, that Tunisia has several assets: its people and especially its youth, its tourist characteristics, its rich heritage and its industrial, agricultural and services sectors.
The European Commissioner said that Tunisia should opt for a balanced regional development, advocating for the creation of a Maghreb common market and a joint farming policy.
