EU confirms intention to work with new Tunisian government

The European Union has confirmed its intention to work with the new government in Tunisia following the elections for the National Constituent Assembly. The Islamist Al-Nahda (Renaissance) Party won a majority of seats in the new assembly.

A statement issued by the EU Council of Foreign Affairs in Brussels on Tuesday said, “The EU stands ready to deepen and intensify its obligations with the elected authorities and civil society in Tunisia towards the implementation of reforms, in order to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Tunisian people for democracy and building a more just society.”

The statement renewed the commitment of the EU to launch a complete free trade agreement with Tunisia which, it is hoped, will open up markets and allow Tunisia to achieve economic integration with the internal European market in measured stages.

The EU is keen to distribute the aid allocated to Tunisia as soon as possible in line with the needs expressed by the interim government to pursue its programme of reforms. A commitment was also made to resume discussions on the new programme and build a “renewed partnership” between the EU and Tunisia.