The EIB has been providing finance in Tunisia for over 30 years (its very first loan dates back to 1979) as part of the long-term partnership between the European Union and its Mediterranean neighbours. It has built up this activity over time and now operates within the framework of the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP), which has become the leading source of external financing for modernising Tunisia’s economy, creating jobs and improving people’s living conditions.

A few recent examples will serve to illustrate the wide range of this activity: the extension of road and motorway networks to facilitate regional trade and foster the development of landlocked regions while reducing the number of accidents; upgrading and expansion of power generation and distribution systems with a view to producing affordable green electricity accessible to all; drinking water supply and wastewater treatment programmes and the cleaning-up of industrial sites; refurbishment and equipping of public hospitals; development of technology parks working together with universities to facilitate the creation of innovative enterprises by young graduates; credit lines supporting small businesses;  financing of microcredit via the ENDA inter arabe fund.

The EIB is paying close attention to the aspirations expressed by the people of Tunisia and is more than ever convinced of the importance of its mission: in order to put down sustainable roots in society, democracy must be based on economic growth and a development policy offering improved prospects for everybody.  Alongside the European Commission and in concert with all other financing institutions, the EIB stands ready to help Tunisia achieve its economic and social priorities.