OREANDA-NEWS. The European Commission has adopted the second part of its 2015 assistance package for Tunisia. It will support the country's socio-economic reforms and its tourism sector for a total amount of €70 million. This support is financed under the European Neighbourhood Instrument in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

This programme aims to accompany socio-economic reforms and to maintain short and medium-term economic stability. In particular, it should enhance the effectiveness and the quality of public spending; especially important in the current tight budgetary and economic climate. To achieve this, the programme will support actions that will specifically contribute to the implementation of the new "Organic Budget Law" and the introduction of measures to accompany public finance reforms. It will further promote capacity-building in the main institutions involved in public-finance management (audit authority and finance ministry), including knowledge sharing with the support of European experts.

In addition, in response to the terrorist attacks which severely affected the tourism sector, the programme foresees specific measures in support of this key pillar of Tunisia's economy. It will foster the implementation of emergency measures for the tourism sector, notably through a reduction in financial burdens stemming from taxes and social security contributions.

This assistance package builds on previous programmes and on the fruitful dialogue between the EU, its Member States and Tunisian authorities.

Background

Since 2011 the EU has supported Tunisia's democratic transition and extensively increased its financial assistance. Following the terrorist attacks in Tunis in March and November and in Sousse in June, the EU and its Member States have reaffirmed their commitment to support Tunisia.

The total amount of the 2015 assistance package for Tunisia is €186.8 million, which includes €71.8 million under the "more for more" incentive mechanism rewarding progress in reforms. The first part of this 2015 support (€116.8 million) was adopted in July.