Toward a redesign of Tunisian–European relations, or how to enable Tunisia to be successful in its economic transition
Type de matériel :
64
The relations between the EU and Tunisia have been limited primarily to business interests. Before 1995, Tunisia received preferential treatment as a trading partner. In 1995, a free trade agreement was signed that remains in place today. Now, a new negotiation is taking place that seeks a “deep and comprehensive free trade area” (DCFTA). As in the past, this agreement does not look beyond commercial interests. Since the revolution of 2011, Tunisia is often cited as the exception in the Arab world. Tunisia, sharing the same values defended by Europe, is continually spoken about as an open country and a burgeoning democracy that respects all human rights, particularly the rights of women. It follows that the success of Tunisia will produce positive externalities for the whole of the Euro–Mediterranean region. However, Tunisia’s current economic difficulties are putting all that has been gained at risk. Tunisia now faces significant economic imbalances, which require the implementation of multiple reforms. Under these conditions, the EU is called upon to change its current approach and to focus on the establishment of a special relationship with Tunisia that looks beyond strictly commercial interests. The EU should treat Tunisia as a country wishing to apply the pre-accession reforms needed to join the EU, but which will not ultimately be part of the EU. The objective of this paper is to propose a new framework for a future EU–Tunisia partnership, and to define a strategy that reflects the deep and privileged relationship and that responds to the long-term ambitions shared by both parties for a future that goes beyond the revised European Neighbourhood Policy. Beyond merely economic considerations, Tunisia’s anchoring to Europe should be seen by Europe as a cornerstone for stability in the region, its zone of influence, and its surrounding neighborhood; and by Tunisia as a guarantee of security and stability for its new democratic institutions.
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