The EU-Tunisian relationship after 2011 : resilience, contestation and the return of the neglected socio-economic question

Abstract

With rising socioeconomic problems reigniting popular contestation, Tunisia’s democratic system is under strain. This report critically analyses the EU’s policy responses to Tunisia's transition and evaluates how they have evolved in line with the shifting challenges that Tunisia has faced. The report shows that, while EU policies have helped Tunisia in establishing formal democratic institutions and in tackling security challenges, they have produced disappointing results in supporting Tunisia in addressing its socioeconomic challenges and in fostering social resilience. The report concludes by offering policy recommendations for promoting more ambitious EU policies in Tunisia as well as in the wider North African region.