The European Union approved two new financial assistance programmes for Tunisia for a total of €110 million. The first programme supports the economic recovery measures adopted by the Tunisian government and the second programme is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the Tunisian economy. These two programmes are part of the additional aid being provided by the EU to Tunisia following the January 2011 revolution.

The European Union presented new financial assistance measures to help Tunisia economic recovery. The assistance is divided in two different programmes which follows the decision taken in January by the EU to help Tunisia in its transition to democracy. In particular, the new financial measures includes a budget of €90 million will support the economic recovery measures recently by the Tunisian government, particularly for helping disadvantaged social groups - the inland regions, unemployed graduates, the poorest families – better governance and job creation. €20 million more will be invested for national modernisation policies in the services sector in order to increase the dynamism and competitiveness of the Tunisian economy.

The Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle stated that the Commission is determined to support the efforts of the authorities rapidly to restore stronger growth in order to promote job creation, improve social conditions for the most disadvantaged Tunisians and reduce disparities between regions. The measures are part of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

The European Commission has released further assistance for Tunisia to support the electoral process, civil society organisations, the reinforcement of fundamental freedoms and local development since the start of the Tunisian revolution. Moreover, the Commission is currently drawing up a new Support Programme for less-favoured areas.