EU Announces 157 Million Euros in aid for economic recovery and water resources management in Tunisia
The EU/Tunisia Task force announced last September 30, 2011 two major financing agreements totalling a donation of 157 million euros from the European Union to support Tunisia’s transition to democracy. The task force was created to coordinate European and international support for Tunisia during its transitional period. EU financial assistance to Tunisia could reach as much 4 billion Euros for the 2012-2013 period.
Of the two agreements announced, the first provides 100 million euros to the Tunisian government to accelerate economic growth by supporting various government stimulus programs.
The second agreement of 57 million euros will support public policies for managing water resources in agricultural and rural development. Overexploitation of clean water sources has threatened groundwater in particular. Programs will aim to bring government resources and workers together with civil society organizations and citizens.
At a press conference after the signing, Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, “[Tunisia] is an example for the entire region. Yet I know that the Tunisians expect even more rapid changes, particularly in the economic field. And if this process must be well-managed by the Tunisians themselves, the EU has pledged to do everything possible to help.Tunisia has a huge potential, qualified people, and great opportunities. But it is essential that investment return.”
At the same press conference, Tunisian interim Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi said, “This initiative reflects the interest the European Union attaches to the process of recovery and boosting the national economy and represents a better perception of cooperation agreements and economic, financial, and social partnerships between Tunisia and the EU.”
Contact information | n/a |
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News type | Inbrief |
File link |
http://www.tunisia-live.net/2011/09/30/eu-announces-157-million-euros-in-aid-for-tunisia/ |
File link local | COMMsignatureCF_FR.pdf (PDF, 1011 Kb) |
Source of information | EU |
Subject(s) | AGRICULTURE , DRINKING WATER , FINANCE-ECONOMY , HYDRAULICS - HYDROLOGY , NATURAL MEDIUM , POLICY-WATER POLICY AND WATER MANAGEMENT , PREVENTION AND NUISANCES POLLUTION , RISKS AND CLIMATOLOGY , WATER DEMAND |
Relation | http://www.emwis.net/countries/fol749974/country108068 |
Geographical coverage | Tunisia, |
News date | 29/09/2011 |
Working language(s) | FRENCH |