Following developments in Tunisia, Marietje Schaake today submitted written questions to the European Commission about the EU response and EU-Tunisia relations.
---
In early January, protests erupted in Tunisia following the announcement of austerity measures needed to comply with an IMF loan agreement. These measures come in while unemployment remains high, as is inflation, and a drop in tourism happened after the 2015 terror attacks.
The EU and Tunisia agreed in 2012 to negotiate a deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA), with a first round of negotiations having taken place in April 2016. Under the European Neigbourhood Instrument the EU has programmed 960 million Euro’s to stimulate sustainable growth and reduce social and regional disparities in Tunisia.
1. Given its potential for political and economic development, has the European Commission been in contact with Tunisian authorities to discuss sustainable and inclusive ways to address the economic situation in the country?
2. Can the Commission indicate the most current state of play in the DCFTA negotiations and does the Commission agree that movement in this field could send a positive signal that the EU remains committed to the Tunisian people?
