The two new Joint Programmes between the Council of Europe and the European Union “Project to support independent bodies in Tunisia (PAII-T)” and “Improving the functioning, performance and access to justice in Tunisia (AP-JUST)” were officially launched on 20 June 2019, in the presence of Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Khemaies Jhinaoui, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, and Sophie Vanhaeverbeke, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation in Tunisia.

During her speech, Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni underlined the fact that “Tunisia’s progress in underpinning and consolidating democracy is undeniable; it sets an example and brings hope for the region”. She also stated that “the will to move forward on the path towards democracy, rule of law and human rights, supported by a tripartite partnership between the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Tunisian authorities – which has proven itself to be effective – is the key to our joint success”.

Supporting the democratic transition through independent and efficient bodies, as well as high quality and accessible justice, is at the heart of these two programmes. The event was marked by the participation of a number of high-level representatives of Tunisian authorities and civil society, and was followed by roundtables, with partners and beneficiaries of the programmes, which explored the challenges ahead during their implementation and ways to ensure their success.

 Link to the article on the website of the Council of Europe Office in Tunis

The PAII-T and the AP-JUST are Joint Programmes co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the latter.