Proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Tunisia Action Plan
Date: 2004-12-10
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU relations, Tunisia, action programme, aid policy, cooperation policy, economic integration, economic relations, trade relations

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 9.12.2004 
COM(2004) 792 final 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part, with regard to the 
adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Tunisia Action Plan 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The  2002  Copenhagen  European  Council,  closing  accession  negotiations  with  ten  applicant 
States,  recognised  that  enlargement  presented  an  important  opportunity  to  take  forward 
relations  with  neighbouring  countries  based  on  shared  values,  and  stated  that  the  Union 
remained  determined  to  avoid  new  dividing  lines  in  Europe  and  to  promote  stability  and 
prosperity within and beyond the new borders of the Union. 

The  Commission  Communication  “Wider  Europe  -  Neighbourhood:  A  New  Framework  for 
Relations  with  our  Eastern  and  Southern  Neighbours”  of  March  20031  proposed  the 
establishment of Action Plans with partner countries. On 16 June 2003, the Council welcomed 
this Communication and invited the Commission, with the contribution, where appropriate, of 
the High Representative, to present proposals for Action Plans for all countries concerned as 
appropriate, commencing with Ukraine, Moldova, and Southern Mediterranean partners with 
Association Agreements. 

On  14  June  2004,  the  Council  welcomed  the  Commission  Communication  “European 
Neighbourhood  Policy  –  Strategy  Paper”2.  The  Council  also  welcomed  the  Commission 
proposal  to  pursue  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP)  through  Action  Plans  to  be 
agreed  jointly  with  the  neighbouring  countries  concerned  and  invited  the  Commission  to 
propose such Action Plans. Action Plans should have a minimum duration of three years and 
be subject to renewal by mutual consent. They should be based on common principles but be 
differentiated,  as  appropriate,  taking  into  account  the  specificities  of  each  neighbour,  its 
national  reform  processes  and  its  relations  with  the  EU.  Action  Plans  should  be 
comprehensive  but  at  the  same  time  identify  clearly  a  limited  number  of  key  priorities  and 
offer  real  incentives  for  reform.  Action  Plans  should  also  contribute,  where  possible,  to 
regional cooperation. The Council also defined how to advance and monitor implementation 
of action plans.  

The  Commission,  in  close  cooperation  with  the  Presidency  and  the  High  Representative  on 
issues related to political cooperation and the CFSP, has held exploratory talks with Tunisia 
which have resulted in agreement on a draft Action Plan. It covers a timeframe of three to five 
years. Its implementation will help fulfil the provisions in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
and will contribute to an increasingly close relationship with Tunisia, involving a significant 
degree of economic integration and a deepening of political co-operation. Implementation of 
the Action Plan will significantly advance the approximation of Tunisia’s legislation, norms 
and standards to those of the European Union. 

The Action Plan is a broad tool for economic and political co-operation, carrying to a further 
stage the commitments and objectives contained in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. 

1 COM(2003) 104. 
2 COM(2004) 373. 

EN 

2 

   EN 

 
                                                 
In accordance with the Council Conclusions of 14 June 2004, stipulating that the Action Plans 
will be approved by the Council and subsequently endorsed by the respective Association or 
Co-operation Councils, the Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision 
on the position to be taken by the European Community and its Member States within the EU-
Tunisia  Association  Council  with  regard  to  the  adoption  of  a  Recommendation  on  the 
implementation of the Action Plan in annex.  

The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council 
Decision. 

EN 

3 

   EN 

 
Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part, with regard to the 
adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Tunisia Action Plan 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to Article 2 (1) of the Council and Commission Decision 98/238/EC, ECSC of 
26  January  1998  on  the  conclusion  of  a  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  between  the 
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, 
of the other part; 

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 15 thereof; 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission3; 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European 
Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of 
the other part, was signed on 17 July 1995 and entered into force on 1 March 1998; 

The  Parties  intend  to  agree  on  an  EU-Tunisia  Action  Plan,  which  will  support  the 
implementation  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  through  the  elaboration  and 
agreement of concrete steps towards attainment of its objectives. 

3 OJ C […] from […], p […] 

EN 

4 

   EN 

 
                                                 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 

Sole Article 

The  position  to  be  adopted  by  the  European  Community  and  its  Member  States  within  the 
Association  Council  established  by  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  establishing  an 
association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and 
the  Republic  of  Tunisia,  of  the  other  part,  with  regard  to  the  implementation  of  the  EU-
Tunisia Action Plan shall be based on the draft Recommendation of the Association Council 
annexed to this Decision. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

EN 

5 

   EN 

 
 
 
ANNEX  

draft 

RECOMMENDATION 

on the implementation of the EU-Tunisia Action Plan  

THE EU/TUNISIA ASSOCIATION COUNCIL, 

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the 
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, 
of the other part, and in particular Article 80 thereof, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

Article  80  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  gives  the  Association  Council  the 
power  to  make  appropriate  recommendations,  for  the  purposes  of  attaining  the 
objectives of the Agreement.  

In terms of Article 90 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, the Parties shall take any 
general  or  specific  measures  required  to fulfil  their  obligations  under  the  Agreement 
and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained. 

 The Parties to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU-
Tunisia Action Plan. 

The  EU-Tunisia  Action  Plan  will  support  the  implementation  of  the  Euro-
Mediterranean Agreement through the elaboration and agreement between the Parties 
of concrete steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 

The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out concrete steps in bringing the 
fulfilment  of  the  Parties’  obligations  set  out  in  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement, 
and of providing a broader framework for further strengthening EU-Tunisia relations 
to involve a significant measure of economic integration and a deepening of political 
cooperation,  in  accordance  with  the  overall  objectives  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement. 

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 

Sole Article 

The Association Council recommends that the Parties implement the EU-Tunisia Action Plan 
in annex, insofar as such implementation is directed towards attainment of the objectives of 
the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.  

Done at [...] 

For the Association Council 

The President 

EN 

6 

   EN 

 
ANNEX 

EU/TUNISIA ACTION PLAN 

1. Introduction 

The enlargement of the European Union, which became fact on 1 May 2004, has profoundly 
altered  the  political,  geographical  and  economic  situation  of  the  Union,  providing  the 
opportunity to consolidate and deepen its relations with the neighbouring countries to the East 
and South. The European neighbourhood policy will go beyond existing ties to offer the EU's 
neighbours  the  prospect  of  a  significant  measure  of  economic  integration  through  gradual 
integration in the internal market and deepening of political, cultural and social cooperation. 

The  European  Union  and  Tunisia  are  determined  to  seize  this  opportunity  in  order  to 
strengthen the ties between them and promote stability, security and prosperity on the basis of 
a  partnership  based  on  solidarity  and  common  interests.  The  approach  is  founded  on 
partnership, joint ownership and differentiation. 

Tunisia  and  the  EU  want  to  give  a  new  dimension  to  every  aspect  of  the  Association 
Agreement through the deepening of their political, economic, social, cultural and scientific 
ties and cooperation on security and environmental questions. Cross-border, transnational and 
inter-regional cooperation and shared responsibility for conflict prevention, conflict resolution 
and disaster management also form part of the new European neighbourhood policy. 

This  EU  neighbourhood  policy  sets  ambitious  goals  based  on  the  mutually  recognised 
acceptance of common values such as democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect 
for human rights, market economics, free trade, sustainable development, poverty alleviation 
and the strengthening of political, economic, social and institutional reforms. 

The level of ambition of the future relationship will depend on the degree of commitment of 
both parties to common values and their capacity to implement undertakings made. The rate 
of progress of the relationship will acknowledge fully the efforts and concrete achievements 
in meeting jointly agreed priorities. 

Rapprochement with the Union represents a constant and a fundamental foreign policy choice 
for  Tunisia  which  will  continue  to  strive,  in  parallel,  towards  promoting  integration  in  the 
Maghreb  region  and  strengthening  its  ties  with  Arab,  Mediterranean  and  African  countries. 
The  neighbourhood  policy  will  allow  Tunisia  to  reinforce  the  strategic  foundation  of  this 
choice whilst respecting its national identity and characteristics.  

This Action Plan is the first step in a process covering a timeframe of three to five years. It 
will enable a more targeted implementation of the instruments provided for in the Association 
Agreement  between  the  EU  and  Tunisia  with  a  view  to  bringing  Tunisian  economic,  social 
and science structures more into line with those of the Union. The process also advances and 
supports  the  approximation  of  Tunisian  legislation,  norms  and  standards  with  those  of  the 
Union in the areas covered by the plan. 

It will lay foundations for economic integration based on the adoption and implementation of 
trade-related  rules  and  regulations  with  the  potential  to  enhance  trade,  competitiveness, 
investment and growth in line with the objectives of regional economic integration.  

EN 

7 

   EN 

 
The  Action  Plan,  which  by  virtue  of  its  flexibility  can  be  adapted  to  Tunisia's  needs  and 
specificities,  will  also  support  the  development  and  implementation  of  policies  designed  to 
promote economic growth, employment and social cohesion, reduce poverty and protect the 
environment, thereby contributing to the long-term objective of sustainable development. 

This  Action  Plan  and  the  priorities  it  contains  will  be  jointly  prepared  by  Tunisia  and  the 
European  Union  who  will  work  together  in  close  cooperation  on  its  implementation, 
evaluation and any necessary adaptations.  

Implementation  of  the  Action  Plan  will  take  account  of  the  necessary  balance  between 
speeding  up  the  process  of  opening  and  modernising  the  Tunisian  economy  and  the 
imperative of sustainable socio-economic development. 

New partnership perspectives 

The European Neighbourhood Policy opens new partnership perspectives: 

•  the  prospect  of  moving  beyond  the  existing  relationship  to  a  significant  degree  of 
integration, including offering Tunisia a stake in the internal market and the possibility of 
participating progressively in key aspects of EU policies and programmes; 

•  an  upgrade  in  the  scope  and  intensity  of  political  cooperation  through  enhanced  political 

dialogue; 

•  the opportunity for convergence of economic legislation, the opening of economies to each 
other,  and  the  continued  reduction  of  trade  barriers,  which  will  stimulate  investment  and 
growth; 

•  increased financial support: the EU will grant additional financial assistance to Tunisia to 
support implementation of the Association Agreement and  of the operations  identified in 
the  Action  Plan,  in  particular  to  enhance  the  economy’s  ability  to  withstand  competitive 
pressures and to strengthen institutional capacity as well as investments and infrastructure. 
Furthermore,  the  Commission  will  be  proposing  a  new  European  Neighbourhood  and 
Partnership  Instrument  (ENPI),  which  will  also  cover  the  key  issue  of  cross-border  and 
transnational  cooperation  between  Tunisia  and  the  EU  so  as  to  promote  integration  and 
economic and social cohesion and lessen development gaps between regions. The EIB will 
also help support infrastructure investment and private sector development and partnership 
through the FEMIP facility; 

•  the  possibility  of  gradually  opening  access  to  or  increasing  participation  in  certain 
Community fora and programmes, particularly in the areas covered by the Action Plan; 

•  support,  including  targeted  technical  assistance  and  twinning  schemes,  with  a  view  to 
approximation  with  EU  legislation  through  a  mechanism  such  as  TAIEX  in  the  areas 
covered by the Action Plan; 

•  deepening trade and economic relations which will be progressively extended to cover the 
sectors  of  agriculture  and  services  and  to  create  favourable  conditions  for  an  increase  in 
investment and export; 

•  strengthening administrative and judicial cooperation; 

EN 

8 

   EN 

 
•  enhanced  cooperation  between  administrations  participating  in  institutionalised  thematic 

subcommittees. 

In light of the fulfilment of the objectives of this Action Plan and of the overall evolution of 
EU  -  Tunisia  relations,  consideration  will  be  given  to  the  possibility  of  a  new  contractual 
relationship.  The  Commission  has  suggested  that  this  could  take  the  form  of  a  European 
Neighbourhood  Agreement.  Tunisia  has  indicated  its  support  for  the  Commission's 
suggestion.  The  advisability  of  any  new  contractual  arrangement  will  be  considered  in  due 
time in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy.  

Priority actions 

This Action Plan sets out a broad range of priorities in areas falling within the scope of the 
Association  Agreement.  Among  these  priorities,  all  of  which  are  important,  particular 
attention should be given to: 

•  the pursuit and consolidation of reforms which guarantee democracy and the rule of law; 

•  enhancing political dialogue and cooperation in areas such as democracy and human rights, 
foreign  and  security  policy,  cooperation  in  the  fight  against  terrorism,  whilst  promoting 
respect for human rights; 

•  the  development  of  conditions  conducive  to  foreign  direct  investment,  growth  and 

sustainable development; 

•  improving  the  climate  and  conditions  for  the  development  of  competitive  businesses  and 

entrepreneurship; 

•  the development of scientific research, higher education, education in general and training 

as the cornerstones of the knowledge society; 

•  cooperation on labour issues and social policy and the gradual approximation of Tunisian 

legislation to EU rules and regulations; 

•  facilitating  trade  in  goods  and  services,  including  through  the  negotiation  of  free  trade 

agreements; 

•  the  approximation  of  technical  regulations,  standards  and  conformity  assessment 

procedures; 

•  development of the transport sector based on safety, security and reinforcement of national 
and regional infrastructures and their inter-connection with the Trans-European Transport 
Network (TEN-T); 

•  with a view to the gradual integration of the Maghreb energy markets into the EU internal 
energy  market,  implementing  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  on  the  gradual 
integration  of  the  electricity  markets  of  the  Maghreb  countries  into  the  EU's  internal 
electricity market; development of networks; 

•  effective  management  of  migration  flows,  including  the  possibility  of  concluding  a 

readmission agreement with the European Community; 

EN 

9 

   EN 

 
•  facilitating  the  movement  of  persons  within  existing  structures  in  accordance  with  the 
acquis,  by  looking  in  particular  at  possibilities  of  relaxing  short-stay  visa  formalities  for 
certain categories of persons. 

•  Progress in meeting the priorities contained in the Action Plan will be jointly monitored in 
sub-committees  established  by  the  Association  Agreement.  On  this  basis,  the  EU  and 
Tunisia  will  review  the  content  of  the  Action  Plan  and  decide  on  any  adaptations  and 
updates required. After three years, the EU and Tunisia may decide on the next step in the 
development of bilateral relations, including the possibility of new contractual links. This 
could take the form of a European Neighbourhood Agreement whose scope will be defined 
in the light of progress in meeting the priorities set out in the Action Plan.  

2. Actions 

2.1. Political dialogue and reforms 

Democracy and the rule of law 

(1) 

Strengthen institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law 

Short term 

–  Further increase participation by all sections of Tunisian society in political life; 

–  further develop the role of civil society; 

–  encourage exchanges of experience between Tunisian and European members of 

parliament in all the priority areas of the Action Plan; 

–  set up a subcommittee under Article 5 of the Association Agreement with a view 

to developing structured political dialogue on democracy and the rule of law; 

–  continue support to political parties so as to further strengthen their involvement 

in the democratic process. 

Medium term 

–  Support the efforts of the Tunisian authorities in the area of administrative reform, 

with a view in particular to greater transparency. 

(2) 

Consolidate  the  independence  and  efficiency  of  the  judiciary  and  improve  prison 
conditions 

–  Strengthen the efficiency of judicial procedures and the right of defence; 

–  consolidate existing initiatives in the area of penal reform; 

–  improve detention and prison conditions, in particular for the holding of minors, 
to 

train  prison  staff;  develop  alternatives 

and  ensure  prisoners'  rights; 
incarceration; training and reintegration into society; 

EN 

10 

   EN 

 
–  pursue and support reforms to the justice system, notably with regard to access to 

justice and to the law and modernisation of the justice system.  

Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms 

(3) 

Respect  for  human  rights  and  fundamental  freedoms  pursuant  to  international 
conventions 

–  Ensure  that  national  legislation  complies  with  international  law  on  human  rights 

and with UN recommendations; 

–  pursue and extend dialogue on human rights issues, particularly in the context of 

the UN Commission on Human Rights; 

–  support  training  measures  in  the  human  rights  field  aimed  at  law  enforcement 

agents; 

–  examine  the  possibility  of  accession  to  the  optional  protocols  to  international 

human rights conventions to which Tunisia is party. 

(4) 

Respect for the freedom of association, freedom of expression and for media pluralism 
in accordance with the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 

–  Continue  to  promote  the  right  to  associate  and  to  assemble  and  the  freedom  of 
expression  and  opinion  on  the  basis  of  relevant  recommendations  by  the  UN's 
ICCPR Committee, including in relation to the role of NGOs; 

–  strengthen legislation on private data protection; 

–  continue  the  process  of  liberalising  the  information  industry,  including  the 

distribution of foreign media; 

–  develop information and communication media and further promote the use of and 

access to the Internet; 

–  foster exchanges and cooperation between the Tunisian and EU voluntary sectors; 

–  encourage  cooperation  initiatives  in  the  Association  Agreement  framework 

designed to promote human rights and civil society.  

(5) 

Promotion and protection of the rights of women and children 

–  Strengthen  the  role  of  women  in  social  and  economic  progress  (Art.  71  of  the 

Association Agreement); 

–  continue  action  on  combating  discrimination  against  women  in  line  with  the 

relevant international conventions; 

–  consolidate  children's  rights  on  the  basis  of  the  relevant  UN  Committee's 

recommendations. 

EN 

11 

   EN 

 
Fundamental social rights and core labour standards 

(6) 

Respect and implement the principles, fundamental rights, core labour standards and 
conventions pursuant to the 1998 ILO Declaration 

–  Initiate  dialogue  on  fundamental  social  rights  and  labour  standards  so  as  to 

provide a situation analysis and identify potential challenges and measures. 

Regional  and  international  issues,  cooperation  on  external  relations  and  security 
questions, conflict prevention and crisis management 

(7) 

Strengthen  cooperation  on  regional  and  international  cooperation  issues,  conflict 
prevention and crisis management  

–  Promote  political  and  security  dialogue  on  the  basis  of  open  exchanges  on 

bilateral and multilateral level; 

–  participate actively in the Euro-Mediterranean dialogue on the ESDP at the PSC 
and  Senior  Officials  Group  level  for  political  and  security  cooperation  in  the 
Euro-Mediterranean partnership; 

–  establish  points  of  contact  and  conduct  open  exchanges  of  information  on  the 

ESDP with the Council Secretariat and the Commission; 

–  take part in training activities on conflict prevention, crisis management and civil 
protection  and  discussions  on  possible  involvement  in  EU-led  peacekeeping 
operations under UN auspices; 

–  participate in the Euro-Mediterranean Peace and Stability Charter as soon as the 

regional political climate allows; 

–  extend  Tunisian  participation  in  the  OSCE's  Mediterranean  partnership  through 

the contact group and bilateral links.  

(8) 

Strengthen  political  dialogue  and  cooperation  on  foreign  and  security  policy  and 
other subjects of common interest 

–  Cooperate to make multilateral institutions and conventions more effective, so as 
to  reinforce  global  governance,  strengthen  coordination  on  initiatives  for 
combating security threats and address related development issues.  

(9) 

Continue to develop cooperation on combating terrorism 

–  Strengthen  EU-Tunisian  cooperation  on  the  fight  against  and  prevention  of 
terrorism, in particular through implementation of the initiatives identified in this 
Action Plan which will be discussed in the relevant subcommittees; 

–  develop EU-Tunisia cooperation on the fight against and prevention of terrorism, 
including through full implementation of UNSC Resolutions 1267/99 and 1373/01 
and  through  the  ratification  and  implementation  of  all  appropriate  international 
conventions and protocols relating to terrorism; exchange views, information and 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
experience on combating terrorism and on the ways and means, inter alia with a 
view to improving the capacity to combat terrorism; 

–  ensure respect for human rights in combating terrorism. 

–  Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery 

–  Co-operation on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of 
delivery and ballistic missiles, including through implementing UNSC resolution 
1540/04,  ensuring  full  compliance  with  and  national  implementation  of  existing 
international  obligations  and  promoting  the  accession  to  and  compliance  with 
other relevant international instruments and export control regimes. 

–  Further  develop  co-operation  in  the  prevention  of,  and  fight  against,  the  illicit 

trafficking of WMD-related materials 

–  Co-operation  on  establishing  effective  systems  of  national  export  control, 
controlling  export  and  transit  of  WMD-related  goods,  including  WMD  end-use 
control  on  dual  use  technologies,  and  effective  sanctions  for  breaches  of  export 
controls 

–  Apply risk-based customs control, ensuring safety and security of goods imported, 
exported  or  in  transit,  and  explore  possible  definitions  of  standards  for 
certification  of  operators  (exporters  and  transporters)  intervening  in  commercial 
exchanges 

–  Improve overall co-ordination in the non-proliferation area ,and examine specific 
threats related to WMD which undermine regional security and the scope for co-
operation in addressing them 

–  Promote  the  relevant  provisions  of  the  political  and  security  partnership  of  the 
Barcelona Declaration, in particular those relating to weapons of mass destruction, 
in a balanced and incremental way. 

Regional cooperation and initiatives 

(10) 

Support  the  implementation  of  integration  projects  and  initiatives  within  the  region 
and between the Maghreb countries  

–  Foster  south-south  economic  and  trade  integration,  notably  within  the  Maghreb 

region; 

–  support implementation of the Agadir Agreement; 

–  step up and support regional initiatives in priority sectors such as energy, transport 

and information technology.  

2.2. Economic and social reform and development 

Macroeconomic framework 

(11)  Consolidate progress on macroeconomic stabilisation  

EN 

13 

   EN 

 
Short term 

–  Maintain a prudent fiscal policy; 

–  finalise the study on improvements to public debt management. 

Medium term 

–  Continue  efforts  to  put  banking  institutions  on  a  sound  financial  footing  in 

accordance with an appropriate provisioning strategy; 

–  continue the strategy for bringing public debt under control by ensuring a primary 

balance surplus; 

–  implement the conclusions of the study on improving public debt management. 

Structural reform and progress toward a functioning and competitive market economy 

(12) 

Improving the performance and competitiveness of the Tunisian economy 

Short term 

–  Implement the Tunisian Government's Plan for promoting private investment; 

–  enforce  the  recent  reform  of  the  legal  procedure  for  calling  in  guarantees  more 

quickly; 

–  examine  best  practice  on  notification  of  regulatory  changes  to  commercial 

operators; 

–  adopt  an  action  plan  for  opening  up  the  infrastructure  sector  to  private 

participation and implement the action plan adopted by the Government; 

–  take  all  the  necessary  steps  on  a  case-by-case  basis,  to  improve  the  quality  of 
service  and  make  new  concessions  more  efficient,  including  gradual  price 
adjustments where necessary. 

Medium term 

–  Continue  the  rationalisation  and  simplification  of  administrative  and  legal 
procedures,  including  “one  stop  shop”  procedures  and  their  deployment  in  the 
country's main economic centres; 

–  continue the programme of privatisation and disengagement of the State; 

–  draw up a framework law on concessions.  

Cooperation on social policy and employment 

(13) 

Implement  Articles  69  to  73  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  align  Tunisian 
legislation on EU standards and practices in the social and employment sectors  

EN 

14 

   EN 

 
–  Pursue  the  dialogue  on  employment  and  social  policy  so  as  to  develop  a  joint 
analysis  of  the  situation  and  identify  challenges  and  possible  measures  to  deal 
with them (social and civil dialogue, labour law, gender equality, health and safety 
at  work,  employment  policy,  social  protection  and  inclusion),  including  support 
for  Tunisian  policies  on  reducing  social  inequalities  (in  education,  health,  social 
housing) and combating poverty and vulnerability ; 

–  pursue  the  dialogue  on  living  conditions  of  Tunisian  workers  legally  resident  in 
the EU with a view to identifying ways and means of achieving progress on equal 
treatment and improving social integration; 

–  initiate a dialogue with a view to exchanging information on existing programmes 
and initiatives to facilitate social inclusion, the integration of vulnerable groups in 
the labour market and combating discrimination, racism and xenophobia; 

–  step up the collection of employment data, on productivity in particular.  

Medium term 

–  Strengthen social dialogue at all levels (bipartite and tripartite); 

–  foster  cooperation  on  social  security  (exchange  experience,  support  reforms  to 
health insurance and pension schemes, extension of social protection coverage to 
categories  and  branches  of  social  security  where  no  coverage  exists),  including 
social security institution-building; 

–  approximation of Tunisian legislation to Community laws in common interest 

social and labour sectors. 

Regional development 

(14)  Pursue  regional  development  efforts  in  order  to  reduce  regional  imbalances  and 

improve local development capacity  

–  Foster rural development and reduce rural poverty; 

–  conduct targeted operations in areas of high emigration.  

Sustainable development 

(15)  Promote sustainable development 

–  Ensure  implementation  of  the  sustainable  development  provisions  of  the  10th 

Development Plan (2002-2006); 

–  continue to integrate environmental considerations into other policy sectors: 

industry, energy, transport, agriculture and regional policies. 

2.3. Trade, market and regulatory reform 

2.3.1. Movement of goods 

EN 

15 

   EN 

 
Trade relations 

(16) 

Strengthen and facilitate access to goods markets  

Short term 

–  Continue  applying  all  undertakings  made  under  Article  II  of  the  Association 

Agreement (free movement of goods); 

–  start  negotiations on the  revision  of the protocols laid down in Article 17 of the 

Association Agreement from January 2005. 

(17)  Ensure  completion  of  a  free  trade  area  between  the  EU  and  all  its  Mediterranean 

partners  

Medium term 

–  Conclude and implement free trade agreements with the Mediterranean partners at 

regional, subregional or bilateral level; 

–  support  implementation  of  the  Arab-Mediterranean  Free  Trade  Agreement 

(Agadir Agreement) and its extension to other Mediterranean partners; 

–  apply the new protocol on Pan Euro-Mediterranean origin cumulation between the 

EU and Tunisia and with the other Mediterranean partners; 

–  adopt procedural rules for the settlement of trade disputes. 

(18) 

Strengthen the instruments and organs of trade facilitation 

–  Increase support to the Committee for the Facilitation of Procedures (COFPRO), 
chaired by a representative of the private sector, and to the administrative bodies 
responsible for facilitation; 

–  automate  the  workflow  and  decision-making  processes  of  technical  control 
agencies linked to the TTN (Tunisia Trade Net) system by means of “back-office” 
re-engineering; 

–  implement  an  integrated  risk  management  system  at  the  level  of  each  technical 

control agency; 

–  implement a digital database on current technical control regulations; 

–  build the capacity of the authorities responsible for information and enforcement 

of the legislation. 

Customs 

(19)  Further improve the operation of customs services in Tunisia, simplify and modernise 

customs procedures and legislation 

Short term 

EN 

16 

   EN 

 
–  Implement the recommendations on trade facilitation adopted at Palermo in July 

2003; 

–  encourage all traders, including foreign operators, to subscribe to TTN; 

–  step up cooperation between all border control services; 

–  step up customs controls on imports and exports of pirated and counterfeit goods; 

–  develop  the  administrative  capacity  of  customs,  including  as  regards  rules  of 

origin; 

–  improve  implementation  of  the  Customs  Ethics  Policy  based  on  internationally 

recognised standards (Arusha Declaration); 

–  strengthen  administrative  cooperation  to  combat  irregularities  and  fraud  in 

customs and related matters; 

–  revise the Customs Code and implementing provisions on the basis of the results 
of  consultations  with  users  and  bring  them  into  line  with  international  standards 
and the Community Customs Code. 

(20)  Develop cooperation with regard to securing the international supply chain  

–  Initiate  EU-Tunisia  dialogue  with  regard  to  risk-based  customs  controls  and 

define standards for the certification of operators. 

(21)  Develop  and  implement  customs  legislation  aligned  with  international  and  EU 

standards  

Medium term 

–  Align  customs  legislation  on  the  customs  control  of  precursors,  dual  use  goods 

and cultural goods; 

–  set up customs laboratories. 

Technical  rules,  conformity  evaluation  standards  and  procedures  (EU  harmonised 
sectors) 

(22)  Facilitate market access for industrial products, including through the conclusion of a 

conformity assessment agreement  

–  Implement the action plan on the free movement of industrial products approved 
at Palermo by the July 2003 Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Trade Ministers; 

–  acquire  expertise  on  Community 

technical  rules, 
law 
standardisation  and  conformity  assessment;  highlight  differences  with  existing 
national legislation; 

the  areas  of 

in 

–  adopt  a  national  programme  of  legislative  harmonisation,  including  detailed 

technical assistance requirements; 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
–  build  institutional  capacity,  in  particular  the  human  resources  for  implementing 

the harmonisation programme; 

–  raise  the  awareness  of  economic  operators  and  ensure  that  they  understand  the 

process; 

–  assess the commercial impact of the approximation of Tunisian legislation to the 
Community acquis so as to identify priority sectors with a view to a conformity 
assessment agreement. 

Medium term 

–  Develop 

the  framework 
legislation; implement that legislation; 

legislation  and 

transpose 

the  necessary  sectoral 

–  approximate  the  legislation  on  liability  for  faulty  products  and  general  product 

safety; 

–  bring  national  standards  into  line  with  EU  and  international  standards  for 

industrial products; 

–  introduce,  adapt  if  necessary  and  improve  through  training,  equipment,  etc.  the 
national  bodies  responsible  for  implementing  EU  legislation  (standardisation, 
conformity  assessment,  metrology  and  market  surveillance);  integrate  them  as 
much as possible in European and international structures; 

–  negotiate an agreement on conformity assessment and the acceptance of industrial 
products (ACAA) in sectors of common interest where the legislation is applied to 
the same standards as in the European Union. 

Elimination of restrictions, streamlined administration (non-harmonised EU areas) 

(23)  Facilitate the movement of goods and improve administrative cooperation  

Medium term 

–  Screen  Tunisian  legislation  on  product  composition,  labelling,  manufacture  and 

description to bring it into line with the existing EU general rules; 

–  develop  the  capacity  of  TBT  Enquiry  points  to  improve  information  flows  and 
cooperation between the EU and Tunisia and provide information to operators.  

Health and plant health issues 

(24) 

Improve the health safety of food and facilitate trade in agricultural products with the 
EU  on  the  basis  of  reforms  and  modernisation  of  the  veterinary  and  plant  health 
sectors 

–  Continue implementation of requirements under the WTO agreement on Sanitary 
and  Phytosanitary  measures  and  agreements  with  other  relevant  international 
bodies (OIE, IPPC, Codex Alimentarius); 

EN 

18 

   EN 

 
–  gradually implement EU animal and plant health rules relating to imports of live 
animals, products of animal origin, plants and plant products. Ensure controls at 
production level, not just on the finished product; 

–  progressively  apply  the  EU's  food  safety  rules  for  the  production  of  agricultural 

and food products and for production level controls; 

–  introduce an animal traceability system; 

–  help organise public campaigns to eradicate certain diseases or harmful organisms 

identified in the Community acquis which are present in Tunisia; 

–  develop a strategy on institution-building, including laboratories; 

–  regulate  and,  if  necessary,  ban  the  sale  of  certain  substances,  including 
phytopharmaceuticals,  and  guarantee  the  monitoring  of  the  residues  of  these 
substances  in  animals,  products  of  animal  origin,  plant  products,  food  products 
and animal feed, without creating unnecessary barriers to trade; 

–  step  up  policies  on 

the  eradication  of  major  zoonoses  and  contagious 

transboundary animal diseases; 

–  develop  emergency  plans  to  deal  with  OIE  List  A  animal  diseases  and  set  up 
epidemic surveillance networks to monitor such diseases and major zoonoses. 

2.3.2. Right of establishment, company law and services 

Right of establishment and company law 

(25)  Promote  greater  freedom  in  relation  to  establishment  and  foreign  investment  (other 

than establishment in the agriculture and services fields) 

–  Foster suitable conditions for companies, e.g. through effective implementation of 

bankruptcy legislation; 

–  comparative study of Tunisian and EU legal systems for all  aspects of company 
establishment,  to  identify  in  particular  suggestions  for  improvements  that  would 
encourage foreign investment; 

–  screening  by  Tunisia  of  national  legislation  so  as  to  identify  barriers  to 

establishment; 

–  ensure that the conditions for establishment of companies are not more restrictive 

than when the Association Agreement was concluded; 

–  widen  the  scope  of  the  Association  Agreement  to  include  the  right  of 

establishment (on the basis of the review clause in Article 31). 

Company law 

–  Establish a high-quality audit profession; 

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
–  implement  the  key  principles  of  accountancy  laid  down  in  international  and  EU 

rules and standards and ensure their effective application; 

–  modernisation  of  the  business  register  and  the  system  of  publicity  for  informing 

third parties; 

–  start discussions on a code of corporate governance. 

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
Services 

(26)  Gradually eliminate restrictions on trade in services between the EU and Tunisia in a 
significant  number  of  services  and  negotiate  an  agreement  to  liberalise  trade  in 
services in accordance with Article V GATS  

–  Contribute  to  finalisation  of  the  framework  protocol  on  service  liberalisation  in 

the Euro-Med services working party; 

–  launch bilateral negotiations on the conclusion of a free trade area in services in 

accordance with Article V GATS; 

–  exchange experience and know-how of existing general or sectoral legislation in 

the EU; 

–  identify national priorities and draw up an appropriate schedule of negotiations in 

the service sector with the EU. 

Financial services 

–  Continue implementation of the IMF's July 2002 Financial Sector Assessment 

Programme (FSAP). 

2.3.3 Capital movements and current payments 

(27)  Pursue  a  strategy  of  liberalising  capital  movements  (Article  34  of  the  Association 

Agreement) in the light of the health of the Tunisian financial system 

–  Assess the content of the foreign exchange code with a view to adapting it to other 

texts at national level and to the legislation in force in foreign partners; 

–  speed  up  implementation  of  Title  IV  of  the  Association  Agreement  (current 
payments and movements of capital) in order to move gradually towards the full 
liberalisation of capital movements (Article 34(2)). 

Medium term 

–  Complete  the  free  movement  of  capital  in  accordance  with  Article  34  of  the 

Association Agreement. 

2.3.4  Movement  of  persons,  particularly  workers,  and  coordination  of  social  security 
systems 

(28)  Full implementation of commitments under Article 64 of the Association Agreement  

–  Ensure full application of the clause on equal treatment irrespective of nationality 

as regards working conditions, remuneration and dismissal; 

–  ensure freedom of movement, the right of establishment and professional mobility 
within the Union for workers and members of their families legally residing in the 
EU Member States in accordance with Community law; 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
–  facilitate  and  improve  conditions  for  reuniting  families  as  a  factor  in  ensuring  a 
balanced family life for immigrants and members of their families in accordance 
with Community law.  

(29)  Ensure equality of treatment as regards nationality and social security (Articles 65 to 

68 of the Association Agreement)  

–  Ensure  full  application  of  the  clause  on  non-discrimination  in  the  area  of  social 
security  for  workers  and  members  of  their  family  via  the  coordination  of  social 
security schemes; 

–  adopt  a  Decision  in  the  Association  Council  concerning  the  implementation  of 

Article 65 on the coordination of social security systems; 

–  implement  the  provisions  on  coordinating  EU  and  Tunisian  social  security 
systems  in  accordance  with  Article  67  and  continue  the  dialogue  in  the  ad  hoc 
working party on social security. 

2.3.5 Other key areas 

Taxation 

(30)  Continue  reform  of  the  tax  system  in  order  to  align  it  as  much  as  possible  with 

international and European standards 

–  Progress towards the adoption of bilateral agreements with EU Member States on 

avoidance of double taxation; 

–  undertake  a  detailed  and  exhaustive  study  of  the  tax  system  in  order  to  identify 
improvements required, increase its competitiveness and efficiency and align it as 
much as possible on international standards; 

–  adopt and implement a strategy for modernising the tax administration (vocational 
training,  computerisation  and  use  of  new  communication  technologies,  tax 
administration management and information systems); 

–  exchange experience and know-how on EU Member States' tax systems. 

Medium term 

–  Exchange  of  views  on  the  principles  of  the  Code  of  Conduct  for  Business 
Taxation  with  a  view  to  creating  a  suitable  and  equitable  framework  for  the 
process of integrating Tunisia into the internal market; 

–  continue work on approximation so as to align concepts used in the tax field with 

those used in the EU.  

EN 

22 

   EN 

 
Competition policy 

Short term 

(31)  Adopt the implementing provisions of Article 36(3) of the Association Agreement  

–  Adopt  a  decision  of  the  Association  Council  on  the  implementing  provisions  of 

Article 36(3) of the Association Agreement.  

(32) 

Implement  and  consolidate  undertakings  made  on  competition  law  (Article  36  of  the 
Association Agreement) and develop legislation and a control mechanism compatible 
with those in the EU  

–  Assess  the  current  Tunisian  legislative  framework  and  its  implementation,  in 
particular  respect  for  the  principles  of  non-discrimination,  transparency  and 
procedural fairness; 

–  consolidate  the  status  of  the  Competition  Council,  in  particular  by  (a) 
guaranteeing  its  independence  and  ensuring  adequate  staffing  levels  and 
budgetary  resources;  (b)  endowing  it  with  appropriate  powers,  notably  for 
decision-making,  enforcement  orders  and  effective  sanctions  (e.g.  fines);  the 
possibility  in  the  medium  term  of  own-initiative  investigations;  (c)  ensuring 
appropriate training for competition authority staff; 

–  ensure the right of appeal to an independent court against decisions on anti-trust; 

–  ensure specialist training for judges dealing with competition cases. 

State monopolies 

(33) 

Implement commitments made under Articles 37 and 38 of the Association Agreement  

–  Exchange  fully  information  on  State  monopolies,  public  enterprises  and 

enterprises with special or exclusive rights. 

State aid 

(34) 

Implement  commitments  on  State  aid  made  under  Article  36  of  the  Association 
Agreement  

Medium term 

–  Establish full transparency as regards State aid, in particular by (a) laying down a 
uniform definition of State aid (agreed by both parties); (b) drawing up a complete 
list of bodies granting aid; and (c) creating a national mechanism for centralising 
information on State aid granted in Tunisia, with a view to drawing up the report 
referred to in Article 36(4)(b) of the Association Agreement.  

EN 

23 

   EN 

 
(35)  For Tunisia to participate in a specific sector of the internal market, it must introduce 

a State aid control regime and legislation compatible with that of the EU: 

Medium term 

–  a legal  principle  of prohibition of State aids which distort trade between the EU 

and Tunisia; 

–  an ex-ante control system involving the competent authorities. 

Intellectual and industrial property rights 

(36)  Ensure a level of protection compatible with the highest international standards and 
strengthen the effective application of these provisions in accordance with Article 39 
of the Association Agreement  

Short term 

–  accede to the main international agreements - including the conventions specified 
in Article 39 of the Association Agreement - and apply the highest international 
standards (Article 39); 

–  ensure enforcement of the rules, particularly as regards fines, to ensure effective 

protection for right-holders; 

–  improve  administrative  cooperation  between  relevant  Tunisian  authorities  and 

with third country authorities; 

–  build capacity in the supervisory structure dealing with the registration, granting 

and management of rights; 

–  step up action on counterfeit/pirated goods in specifically targeted sectors; 

–  step  up  measures  for:  creating  a  climate  conducive  to  the  development  of 
industrial property in Tunisia; strengthening the Industrial Property department of 
the  National  Institute  of  Standardisation  and  Industrial  Property;  promoting 
patents and inventiveness. 

Medium term 

–  reinforce the bodies responsible for patents and copyright; 

–  explore the possibility of enhanced interaction with other Euromed partners; 

–  move in the direction of levels of protection on a par with the EU's. 

Public procurement 

(37)  Ensure  full  and  effective  implementation  of  Article  41  of  the  Association  Agreement, 

which provides for reciprocal and gradual opening of public procurement markets  

EN 

24 

   EN 

 
–  improve  the  functioning  of  the  current  system  through  increased  transparency, 

information and training, and appropriate legislative adjustments; 

–  ensure  convergence  with  the  key  principles  governing  all  levels  of  public 
procurement  (e.g.  transparency,  non-discrimination,  competition  and  access  to 
legal recourse); 

–  introduce a system of appeals against rulings by public procurement committees; 

–  exchange  experience  and  know-how  on  the  possibility  of  independent/judicial 

review in the event of disputes; 

–  facilitate reciprocal access to procurement markets, including examining ways to 

eliminate national preference clauses; 

–  reinforce  public  procurement  structures  and  institutions,  in  particular  as  regards 

training/information and exchanges of experience/know-how. 

Statistics 

(38)  Adopt  statistical  methods  fully  compatible  with  European  standards  in  relevant 
statistical  areas,  implementation  of  Article  60  of  the  Association  Agreement  and 
continue to strengthen institution building of the Tunisian Statistical System  

–  develop  a  short-  and  medium-term  strategy  for  harmonisation  with  European 

standards on economic, social and environmental statistics; 

–  develop  a  medium-term  action  plan  for  the  upgrading  of  Tunisian  statistical 
structures  (institutions,  law,  human  resources,  statistical  programming  and 
production, publication, etc.); 

–  continue the work on sustainable development indicators.  

Financial control 

(39) 

Introduce sound management of public finances  

–  introduce a strategy for the gradual adoption of goal-oriented budget management; 

–  develop  the  practice  and  publication  of  consolidated  accounts  of  financial 
transactions  of  the  State,  local  authorities,  social  security  funds  and  government 
administrative enterprises. 

(40) 

Strengthen internal financial control in the public sector 

–  continue  development  of  a  strategy  for  a  system  of  public  internal  financial 
taking  account  of 

control  (managerial  accountability  and 
internationally agreed standards and methodologies (IFAC, IIA, INTOSAI); 

internal  audit) 

–  strengthen  the  legislative  framework  for  internal  financial  control  in  the  public 

sector. 

EN 

25 

   EN 

 
(41) 

Strengthen external audit 

–  gradually  align  the  control  methods  of  the  Court  of  Auditors  with  international 

standards and EU best practice for external audits; 

–  promote  the  development  of  sufficient  administrative  capacity  to  prevent  and 
combat fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds; 

–  exchange experience and know-how on administrative capacity building to tackle 
fraud  in  the  management  of  Community  funds  better  and  thereby  improve  their 
management; 

–  ensure  effective  cooperation  with  the  relevant  EU  institutions  and  bodies  in  the 
case of on-the-spot checks and inspections related to the management and control 
of EU funds. 

Enterprise policy 

(42) 

Improve the climate and conditions for the development of competitive businesses and 
investment promotion 

–  implement  the  strategy  approved  in  Rome  in  October  2003  by  the  Euro-Med 

industrial cooperation working party.  

Short term 

–  Adopt the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise; 

–  identify  measures  to  stimulate  entrepreneurship  and  competitiveness  through 
simplifying  the  administrative  rules,  promoting  SMEs'  access  to  funding, 
education  and  training,  promoting  innovation  and  business  support  services. 
Enhance the effectiveness of these measures; 

–  establish  dialogue  on  aspects  relating  to  the  promotion  of  investment  and 

industrial partnerships. 

Medium term 

–  Implement  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Charter  for  Enterprise  in  Tunisia;  develop  a 

regional dialogue based on the exchange of best practices; 

–  strengthen  the  role  of  enterprises  (including  SMEs)  and  their  representative 

organisations in the decision-making process for Tunisian enterprises; 

–  involve  Tunisia  in  European  initiatives  for  stimulating  competitiveness  and 
innovation,  including  sectoral  dialogue  in  the  sensitive  areas  of  tourism  and 
textiles/clothing; 

–  support the development of partnerships between Tunisian and EU enterprises and 

networks of SME and investment support structures; 

EN 

26 

   EN 

 
–  on the basis of the experience of the new Member States, develop instruments to 
meet  SME  financing  requirements,  including  investment  guarantee  systems; 
encourage  partnerships  between  public  authorities,  financial  institutions  and 
businesses to improve access to financing. 

EN 

27 

   EN 

 
2.4. Cooperation on justice and home affairs 

Migration (legal and illegal, re-admission, visas, asylum) 

(43)  Promote  legislation  based  on  international  principles  and  standards  on  asylum  and 

refugees and implement the relevant UN Conventions  

–  Implement the principles of the 1951 Geneva Convention and its 1967 Protocol; 

–  make available EU experience and expertise on transposing the 1951 Convention 

into national legislation; 

–  support administrative structures which handle and follow up asylum applications, 
including  support  for  an  asylum  authority,  training  for  the  staff  concerned  and 
reception capacity.  

(44)  Ensure and promote effective management of migration flows 

–  promote active cooperation on legal migration; 

–  set up within existing structures a joint expert group on legal migration to Europe: 
take  stock  of  existing  channels  and  commitments  made  by  Member  States, 
identify and suggest possible ways to facilitate legal migration; 

–  discuss the development and implementation of the common immigration policy, 

including the relevant EU legislative instruments; 

–  set  up  an  observatory  to  analyse  the  migration  phenomenon:  synergies  with  the 

EUROMED network for migration research and observation; 

–  transit migration: discussions on the possibilities for cooperation with countries of 

origin and transit; 

–  explore the possibility of inviting Tunisia to participate in or observe the activities 
organised  in  the  framework  of  the  ARGO  and  AENEAS  programmes  on 
migration and other EU programmes in the same field; 

–  initiate  a  dialogue  on  return  and  readmission  with  a  view  to  concluding  a 
readmission  agreement  with  the  EU,  taking  account  of  the  human  dimension, 
socio-economic aspects and back-up measures.  

(45)  Prevent and combat illegal migration to and via Tunisia 

–  Exchange  of  information  and  dialogue  on  illegal  migration  in  order  to  promote 

active cooperation; 

–  support  implementation  of  a  comprehensive,  coherent  and  balanced  strategy  for 

combating illegal migration; 

–  build operational and intervention capacity of land and sea border surveillance and 
control  units,  including  in  the  context  of  improved  regional  and  sub-regional 
cooperation. 

EN 

28 

   EN 

 
(46)  Facilitate the movement of persons 

–  Establish an open and constructive dialogue between Tunisia and the EU on visas, 

including ways of facilitating visa issue procedures; 

–  in  order  to  facilitate  the  movement  of  persons,  examine,  within  the  existing 
structures, possibilities for facilitating, simplifying and speeding up the visa issue 
procedures for certain jointly agreed categories of persons in accordance with the 
acquis. 

Border management 

(47)  Develop an effective, comprehensive border management system 

–  build organisational and institutional capacity for border control and surveillance 

of entry and exit areas; 

–  make travel documents and visas more secure; 

–  exchange information and experience of border management systems between all 

competent structures and provide European experience and expertise; 

–  develop a border management training strategy; 

–  develop 

regional  cooperation  between  authorities  dealing  with  border 
management (police, border police, migration and asylum services/authorities and 
customs); 

–  improve  the  administrative  capacity  of  the  Tunisian  border  police  by  improving 

equipment and facilities at border checkpoints. 

Combating  organised  crime  (including  the  smuggling  of  migrants  and  trafficking  of 
human beings) 

(48)  Ratify and implement international instruments for combating organised crime 

–  Implement  the  UN  Convention  against  Transnational  Organised  Crime  and  its 

protocols; 

–  develop legislation in line with international standards.  

(49)  Develop methods to combat trafficking in human beings and to reintegrate victims of 

trafficking  

–  Initiate a dialogue to agree a common approach on tackling trafficking targeting 
recruiters, transporters, exploiters, other intermediaries, clients and beneficiaries; 

–  improve support to the most vulnerable groups (women and children); 

–  set up special training schemes for public prosecutors, police and border officials. 

EN 

29 

   EN 

 
Drugs 

(50) 

Step up action to combat drug-trafficking and drug addiction 

–  speed up adoption of the implementing provisions of Article 62 of the Association 

Agreement; 

–  support implementation of the relevant principles in the 1967, 1971 and 1988 UN 

Conventions and the principles of UNGASS; 

–  launch special training measures for drug enforcement agencies; 

–  development  and  implementation  of  prevention,  treatment  and  rehabilitation 

programmes for drug addicts; 

–  cooperation  in  the  drafting  of  norms  for  preventing  the  diversion  of  chemical 

precursors and other substances used in the illegal production of drugs.  

Money laundering, economic and financial crimes 

(51) 

Strengthen  efforts  and  cooperation  in  the  fight  against  money  laundering  and  other 
financial crimes 

–  Implement Article 61 of the Association Agreement; 

–  promote exchanges of information between the relevant Tunisian and EU bodies, 

notably concerning implementation of FATF recommendations; 

–  implement  legislation  on  money  laundering  and  the  financing  of  terrorism 

(identify requirements and ensure necessary support); 

–  set up a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). 

(52) 

Intensify the fight against corruption by 

–  exchanging  information  on  EU  and  Tunisian  legislation  and  strategies  and 

implementation of international instruments; 

–  sign the 2003 UN Convention on Corruption and apply the measures therein; 

–  exchange of best practices on combating corruption and developing cooperation in 

the area. 

Judicial and police cooperation 

(53)  Develop legislation on legal and judicial cooperation between states 

–  signature and implementation of the main international conventions; 

–  with  reference  to  the  relevant  agreements,  encourage  practical  solutions  to 
prevent, manage and settle parental responsibility disputes, including the question 
of children of separated mixed couples. 

EN 

30 

   EN 

 
(54)  Continue the development of cooperation between the judicial and police authorities 

in Tunisia and the Member States 

–  situation report on EU-Tunisia judicial cooperation; 

–  support implementation of measures contained in UN Conventions; 

–  strengthen  police  cooperation  by  all  appropriate  and  necessary  means,  including 

cooperation with EUROPOL; 

–  cooperation between Tunisian and EU police training academies and schools and 

with CEPOL.  

2.5. Transport, energy, information society, the environment and science and technology 

Transport 

(55)  Draw up and implement a national transport and infrastructure policy 

–  adopt a sustainable national transport policy for the development of all modes of 
transport, particularly with a view to security and safety (all modes of transport); 

–  identify  and  prioritise  investment  needs;  and  work  towards  their  gradual 
introduction. Adopt financing strategies, including innovative financial solutions, 
in particular public-private partnerships. 

Regional element 

–  Take  part  in  the  planning  exercise  in  the  context  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean 

regional transport project under MEDA; 

–  contribute  to  the  identification  of  priority  regional  infrastructure  projects  (trans-

Maghreb multimodal corridor); 

–  take part in the development of GNSS (Galileo) in the Mediterranean region and 

the new MEDA regional project on satellite navigation systems. 

(56) 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the road transport sector  

–  introduce a transparent regulatory process for the issue of licences (for both goods 

and passenger transport) and access to the occupation; 

–  implement international conventions, in particular in the field of dangerous goods, 

and action plans to improve road safety; 

–  develop the capacity of the bodies responsible for social and technical standards in 

the sector.  

(57) 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the rail transport sector  

–  Continue  implementation  of  the  railway  company  restructuring  policy  and 
to  separate  regulatory  responsibilities  from 

the  administration 

reorganise 
operational interests; 

EN 

31 

   EN 

 
–  promote multimodal services by integrating interoperability.  

Regional element 

–  Explore the benefits of regional cooperation in order to improve the safety, speed 

and effectiveness (interoperability) of rail services; 

–  promote closer collaboration between the national regulatory authority in the rail 

sector, international organisations and the EU.  

(58) 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the aviation sector  

–  implement  a  national  aviation  policy  for  the  development  of  the  sector,  further 

increase administrative capacity; 

–  introduce competition between operators and continue liberalisation of stop-over 
services; liberalise authorisation systems to allow the entry of private competitors; 
implement a policy to encourage private investment in airport infrastructure; 

–  cooperate on safety and security; 

–  develop industrial and research cooperation with the EU in the aviation sector; 

–  the Community designation clause will be proposed by the EU party in the context 

of the revision of existing aviation agreements with Member States; 

–  explore  the  possibility  in  the  long  term  of  integrating  air  traffic  management 

systems. 

(59) 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the maritime sector  

Short term 

–  Implement a national maritime policy for the development of the maritime sector 
which  would  make  it  more  competitive  and  promote  short-sea  shipping  and 
multimodal transport; 

–  implement  the  relevant  international  conventions  and  continue  alignment  of 
maritime  legislation  with  that  of  the  EU  and  step  up  cooperation  in  that  area 
(particularly as regards monitoring vessels transporting dangerous goods); 

–  introduce the changes recently agreed in the IMO Marpol Convention; 

–  continue reform of the port sector so as to set up an independent regulatory body 
separate from the port authorities and encourage competition in port services; 

–  strengthen  institutional  structures  of  maritime  administration  to  enable  it  to  take 
on  its  responsibilities  in  the  areas  of  safety,  security  and  maritime  pollution 
prevention and control; 

–  step up cooperation on maritime security with a view to combating terrorism, in 

the context of implementing the SOLAS/ISPS code; 

EN 

32 

   EN 

 
–  take  an  active  part  in  the  WTO/GATS  negotiating  round  on  maritime  transport 

services.  

Medium term 

–  Explore the possibility of participating in EMSA; 

–  complete restructuring of the State port sector; 

–  speed  up  the  phasing-out  of  single-hull  oil  tankers  and  introduce  the  changes 

recently agreed in the IMO Marpol Convention. 

Regional element 

–  Take part in improving the Euromed framework for cooperation within the IMO 
in the context of maritime safety; take part in the new MEDA regional project on 
maritime safety (SAFEMED); 

–  take part in regional cooperation on maritime policy, ports, short-sea shipping and 

multimodal transport.  

Energy 

(60) 

Step up energy cooperation with a view to gradual convergence, taking account of the 
characteristics of the Tunisian market, towards the objectives of EU energy policy  

–  Step  up  energy  policy  dialogue,  including  aspects  relating  to  Tunisia's  gradual 

integration into the EU's internal energy market.  

(61) 

In  the  light  of  gradual  future  integration  of  Maghreb  energy  markets  into  the  EU 
internal energy market, establish a Maghreb electricity and gas market with a view to 
convergence towards the principles of the EU internal electricity and gas markets  

–  Implement  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  on  the  gradual  integration  of  the 
Algerian,  Moroccan  and  Tunisian  electricity  markets  into  the  EU's  internal 
electricity market (Rome, 2 December 2003).  

(62)  Develop the gas sector 

–  Strengthen  programmes  and  measures  for  the  development  of  Tunisian  gas 
resources, including intensification of exploration, the development of transit and 
export capacities and increasing the safety of gas installations. 

(63)  Reinforce, develop and optimise energy networks and infrastructure  

–  Reduce network losses and improve their performance, safety and security; 

–  continue to encourage electrification of rural areas; 

–  develop  networks,  infrastructure  and  interconnections  (gas,  electricity,  oil) 

between Tunisia and the EU and within the Euro-Mediterranean region.  

EN 

33 

   EN 

 
(64) 

Step up energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources 

–  Consider the advisability of adopting and implementing an action plan in this area, 

with financing plan and implementation timetable; 

–  continue implementation of measures in this area; 

–  strengthen institutions.  

Information Society 

(65)  Progress  in  the  area  of  electronic  communication  policy  and  regulation  towards  the 

development of a regional electronic communications market  

–  Liberalise the fixed telephony market; 

–  continue liberalisation of the mobile telephony market; 

–  continue  establishment  of  the  regulatory  framework  to  encourage  investment  in 
the  sector,  including  licensing,  interconnection,  numbering,  Universal  Service, 
and guaranteeing extended and secure use of electronic communications; 

–  increase  the  efficiency  of  the  regulatory  authority  (INT)  by  endowing  it  with 

additional powers and resources; 

–  encourage cooperation between the INT and other regulators in the Mediterranean 

region and in the Member States of the EU. 

(66)  Progress  in  the  policy  to  develop  Information  Society  applications  and  in  scientific 

cooperation and dialogue  

–  Implement  the  guidelines  on  the  information  society  in  the  2002-2006  national 

development plan; 

–  promote  the  use  of  new  communication  technologies  by  business,  public 
administrations,  citizens  and  in  the  health  and  education  sectors  (e-business,  e-
government,  e-health,  e-learning)  through  the  introduction  of  pilot  projects,  the 
establishment  of  advanced  infrastructures  and  the  development  of  content  (e.g. 
thematic sites on the economy, research, culture); 

–  improve  the  use  of  Internet  and  online  services  by  citizens  via  public  computer 

training programmes; 

–  promote  Tunisia's  participation  in  the  IST  section  of  the  EU's  6th  framework 

research programme and in the EUMEDIS regional programme; 

–  step up Tunisian cooperation within regional and global strategies, particularly in 
the context of the World Summit on the Information Society (preparation of WSIS 
II in Tunis in 2005). 

EN 

34 

   EN 

 
Environment 

(67)  Promote good environmental governance 

–  Improve  strategic  planning  of  environment  issues  and  strengthen  national  and 
local  structures  responsible  for  the  environment,  including  by  ensuring  better 
coordination between the different actors; 

–  support implementation of environment strategies and programmes at national and 

local level; 

–  complete  the  regulatory  framework  and  introduce  procedures  for  access  to 

information and public participation in the environment field; 

–  increase  the  participation  of  the  various  stakeholders  affected  by  environment 
issues (e.g. civil society and local authorities), in particular public participation in 
environmental impact assessment procedures; 

–  adopt  communication  strategies  on  the  environment  and  natural  resource 

management; 

–  exchange know-how and experience on environmental governance. 

(68)  Prevent  and  combat  the  deterioration  of  the  environment,  protect  human  health  and 
promote the rational use of natural resources, in line with the Johannesburg Summit 
undertakings  

–  Strengthen  administrative  capacity,  including  the  issuing  of  permits  and 

monitoring and inspection tasks; 

–  support the necessary measures and means for protection of the environment and 
natural  resources  management,  in  particular:  (i)  step  up  implementation  of  the 
national  waste  management  plan,  particularly  as  regards  collection,  recovery, 
recycling  and  disposal  of  waste;  (ii)  implement  the  national  plan  for  combating 
desertification and soil erosion; (iii) implement the national water resources plan; 

–  introduce Euro-Mediterranean programmes for preventing and combating marine 

pollution, in particular pollution caused by shipping; 

–  support industrial and tourism sector efforts in environmental upgrading. 

(69)  Enhance and boost cooperation on environmental issues 

–  Introduce practical arrangements for cooperation with the EU on implementation 
of the environment conventions and protocols, particularly as regards biodiversity, 
climate  change,  desertification  and  waste  management:  special  attention  will  be 
paid  to  implementing  the  provisions  of  the  Kyoto  Protocol  and  the  UN 
Framework Convention on Climate Change, including CDM; 

–  ratify  the  new  Emergency  Protocol  of  the  Convention  for  the  Protection  of  the 

Mediterranean Sea against Pollution (Barcelona Convention); 

EN 

35 

   EN 

 
–  improve  North-South  dialogue  and  consultation  on  protecting  the  Mediterranean 

Sea; 

–  identify possibilities to enhance regional cooperation with neighbouring countries, 

especially with regard to water and desertification problems; 

–  possible participation in certain activities of the European Environment Agency; 

–  promote  cooperation  at  local  level  through  environmental  and  sustainable 
development  programmes,  including  actions  involving  municipalities  in  Tunisia 
and in the Member States; 

–  promote transfers of environment technologies. 

Science and technology, research and development 

(70) 

Speed  up  Tunisia's  integration  in  the  European  research  area  and  the  Community 
framework programmes  

–  Implement  and  reinforce  mutual  information  systems,  in  particular  as  regards 

reciprocal cooperation opportunities; 

–  disseminate research results to all potential users, develop a “patent culture” and 
set up intellectual property offices in technology parks and universities, including 
support for the introduction of a doctoral-level course in intellectual property law 
in the framework of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation; 

–  implement  and  ensure  the  smooth  running  of  the  network  of  national  contact 
points for the 6th FRDP and link them up with the national RDT and innovation 
operators; 

–  organise  EU-Tunisia  cooperation  in  RDT-I,  identifying  the  priority  sectors  of 
mutual  interest,  the  instruments  and  means  of  cooperation  and  implementation 
policies and strategies. 

(71)  Develop  research  and  technological  development  capacity  for  the  benefit  of  the 

economy and society  

–  Strengthen  human,  material  and  institutional  resources  in  order  to  improve  the 

capacities of RDT-I operators; 

–  adopt a common strategy for the ten sectoral and regional technology parks with a 
view  to  organising  a  dialogue  between  all  those  involved  in  research  and  end-
users  (industry,  SMEs)  and  implementing  interaction  mechanisms  between 
research and industry, public-private sector; 

–  strengthen the human and material resources necessary to promote innovation. 

(72)  Promote Tunisia's integration in high-level scientific exchanges  

–  Strengthen  Tunisia's  participation  in  the  international  Marie  Curie  scholarship 

programmes and provide appropriate return mechanisms; 

EN 

36 

   EN 

 
–  step up staff exchanges in joint projects and consider other forms of exchange; 

–  promote participation of Tunisian scientists in international scientific debates and 

fora; 

–  promote  science  and  technology  information  through  reciprocal  access  to 

databases and scientific documentation; 

–  encourage  integration  into  European  networks  of  excellence  and/or  participation 

in research groups; 

–  encourage the establishment of a science and technology observatory as envisaged 

under the 10th Plan. 

2.6. People-to-people contacts 

Education, Training and Youth 

(73)  Foster  the  creation  of  a  knowledge-based  society  in  order  to  enhance  mobility, 

employability, competitiveness and attractiveness 

–  Extend  the  range  of  technical  and  vocational  courses  at  basic  and  intermediate 

level; 

–  bring  the  Tunisian  education  system  into  line  with  those  in  the  EU,  taking  into 

consideration the Lisbon strategy; 

–  improve lifelong learning programmes; 

–  create  programmes  of  European  and  Euro-Mediterranean  studies,  particularly 

through the Jean Monnet Action and, in part, via the TEMPUS programme; 

–  improve  the  higher  education  system  and  the  institutional  and  legislative 

framework in line with the principles of the Bologna process; 

–  implement  the  system  for  recognition  of  academic  credits  (ECTS)  with  support 
from  the  TEMPUS  programme  and  step up the introduction of common courses 
and common degree programmes; 

–  promote  the  establishment  of  employment  observatories  in  universities  so  as  to 
adapt education to national and regional labour market requirements and develop 
a university enterprise culture; 

–  develop  new  teaching  methods,  in  particular  distance  teaching  and  access  to 

interactive databases. 

(74) 

Increase cooperation in the fields of university education, general education, training 
and youth 

–  promote cooperation between higher education establishments; 

EN 

37 

   EN 

 
–  promote  exchanges  between  young  people  and  cooperation  in  the  field  of  non-

formal education; 

–  promote  intercultural  dialogue  via  the  relevant  programmes  and  between  higher 

education establishments; 

–  encourage  Tunisian  students  and  universities  to  participate  in  the  Erasmus-

Mundus programme; 

–  exchange experience and best practice in the areas of university education, general 

education and vocational training; 

–  develop  methods  for  monitoring  and  assessing  policies  and  programmes,  in 

particular indicators and decision-making aids; 

–  consolidate  the  development  of  doctoral  schools  to  meet  student  supervision 

requirements in the sector (teachers and researchers). 

Cultural cooperation 

(75) 

Improve cultural cooperation 

–  Ensure  Tunisia's  full  participation  in  the  activities  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
Foundation  for  the  Dialogue  of  Cultures  and  in  the  cultural  cooperation 
programmes  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  partnership  (e.g.  Euromed  Heritage  and 
Euromed Audiovisual); 

–  implement Article 74 of the Association Agreement; 

–  develop a dialogue on  cultural diversity, including  in the  context  of the relevant 
negotiations in UNESCO, in order to take account of the specificities of cultural 
products and services; 

–  increase the circulation of cultural products; 

–  develop  the  capacity  of  the  Tunisian  cultural  industry  to  integrate  into  EU 

distribution circuits; 

–  establish triangular cooperation with the countries bordering Tunisia; 

–  exchanges  of  experience  and  know-how  to  promote  culture  as  a  vector  of 

development. 

(76)  Create  an  environment  conducive  to  cooperation  and  the  movement  of  cultural  and 

audiovisual products and services 

–  Promote an exchange of views on audiovisual policy; 

–  encourage the exchange of information and experience with regard to regulatory 

aspects of the audiovisual sector; 

EN 

38 

   EN 

 
–  identify mechanisms to intensify Euro-Tunisian co-productions in the audiovisual 

sector and cinema. 

Civil society cooperation 

(77) 

Intensify and facilitate cross-border cooperation 

–  Encourage  local  and  regional  initiatives  to  develop  international  cooperation 

activities; 

–  encourage  further  empowerment  of  consumer  associations  and  strengthen  their 

role in the protection of consumers' economic rights. 

Public health 

(78)  Raise the level of public health and epidemiological safety, in line with EU legislation 

and in cooperation with the WHO, by participation in information networks.  

Information and knowledge: 

–  Encourage  Tunisia's  participation  as  an  observer  in  the  network  of  competent 
authorities;  technical  and  administrative  capacity  for  integration  into  the  EU 
public health information system and take measures to integrate Tunisia into that 
system (EUPHIN); 

–  exchange  information  and  know-how  on  health  indicators  and  the  collection  of 

data, in particular for the 50 priority indicators selected by the EU; 

–  organise  seminars  and  meetings  to  exchange  information  in  the  field  of  health 

safety; 

Epidemiological surveillance and monitoring 

–  Encourage  inclusion  and  participation  in  networks  for  the  surveillance  of 

transmissible diseases; 

–  develop a network of laboratories. 

(79)  Build  capacity  for  treating  non-transmissible  diseases  in  accordance  with  WHO 

strategy 

–  Participation  in  Euro-Mediterranean  networks  for  research  on  cancer  and 

cardiovascular diseases. 

3. Monitoring 

The  Action  Plan  will  be  submitted  to  the  EU-Tunisia  Association  Council  for  formal 
adoption. 

The  Action  Plan  will  guide  cooperation  between  the  EU  and  Tunisia.  The  joint  bodies 
established under the Association Agreement will advance and monitor the implementation of 
the Action Plan on the basis of regular reports on its implementation.  

EN 

39 

   EN 

 
The two parties will conduct an initial review of the implementation of the Action Plan within 
two years of its adoption. 

The  parties  will  jointly  amend  and/or  update  the  Action  Plan  on  a  regular  basis  to  reflect 
progress in addressing the priorities.  

EN 

40 

   EN