EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Tunisia and the European Union are bound by a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement that came into force in March 1998. On the basis of that agreement, an EU‑Tunisia Action Plan under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was approved by the two parties in May 2005 for a period of five years. Within this framework EU‑Tunisia relations have developed and matured substantially. The presentation in March 2010 of a Tunisian proposal to attain an advanced status[1] gave a further impetus to these relations and marked a significant deepening of relations in the areas of political relations, security, economics, trade and various sectors, and in people-to-people contacts.

When the current ENP Action Plan expired in 2010, it was deemed appropriate to negotiate and conclude a new Action Plan based on the objectives and ambitions of the joint document on privileged partnership. However, pending the conclusion of the new Action Plan, both parties agreed in September 2010 to continue to apply the 2005 Action Plan.

EU-Tunisia relations are conducted in the broader context of a region where the overall political situation has been in a state of flux since early 2011.

The Joint Communication ‘A new response to a changing neighbourhood’[2] outlined a new approach which aims at a higher level of differentiation, allowing each partner to develop its links with the EU based on its own aspirations, needs and capacities, but also on mutual accountability and the degree of commitment to the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and the capacity to implement jointly agreed priorities. This new Action Plan clearly sets out the priority objectives of EU-Tunisia relations, while taking full account of the privileged partnership and the comprehensive scope of EU‑Tunisia relations.

The European External Action Service (EEAS), in close cooperation with the European Commission and the EU Member States, has held exploratory talks with Tunisia which have resulted in an agreement on a draft Action Plan, including the list of priority measures to be carried out under the Plan. At the last EU-Tunisia Association Council meeting on 14 April 2014 both sides noted that they had reached an agreement. The finalisation of technical consultations on each side was notified through an exchange of letters.

The new EU-Tunisia Action Plan sets out specific measures for the fulfilment of the parties’ obligations under the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. It also provides a broader framework for further strengthening EU-Tunisia relations to achieve a significant measure of economic integration and a deepening of political cooperation, in accordance with the overall objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. Pursuant to the European Neighbourhood Instrument Regulation[3], the Action Plan is a key point of reference for setting the priorities of the Union under the ENP. The ENP, as a single policy framework, will continue to act as a catalyst, based in particular on partnership and joint ownership, as well as performance‑driven differentiation and tailor‑made assistance. The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy ('High Representative') annex hereto the text of a joint proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be taken by the European Union within the EU-Tunisia Association Council on the adoption of a recommendation on the implementation of the Action Plan.

The European Commission and the High Representative therefore request the Council to adopt the attached joint proposal for a Council Decision.

2014/0316 (NLE)

Joint Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the Union position within the Association Council set up 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 implementing the privileged partnership (2013-2017)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 217 in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the joint proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)       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.

(2)       The Parties intend to approve the new EU-Tunisia European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan implementing the privileged partnership (2013-2017), which reflects the EU-Tunisia special partnership and will contribute to the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement through the formulation and adoption of specific measures with a view to achieving its objectives,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION

Article 1

The Union position within the Association Council set up 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, on the implementation of the EU-Tunisia ENP Action Plan implementing the privileged partnership (2013-2017) shall be based on the draft recommendation of the Association Council annexed to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels,

                                                                       For the Council

                                                                       The President

[1]               Adopted by the EU-Tunisia Association Council on 11 May 2010.

[2]               COM(2011) 303 of 25.5.2011.

[3]               (EU) No 232/2014 of 11.3.2014.

ANNEXES

to the

Joint Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION

on the Union position within the Association Council set up 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 implementing the privileged partnership (2013-2017)

ANNEX 1

Draft

Recommendation

on the implementation of the EU-Tunisia ENP Action Plan implementing the privileged partnership (2013-2017)

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

2.           Pursuant to 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.

3.           The Parties to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU‑Tunisia European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan implementing the privileged partnership (2013-2017).

4.           This EU-Tunisia ENP Action Plan will support the implementation of the Agreement through the formulation and adoption, by agreement between the Parties, of specific measures to provide practical guidance for such implementation.

5.           The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out specific measures for 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 achieve 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 ENP Action Plan implementing the privileged partnership (2013-2017) annexed hereto, in so far as such implementation is directed towards attaining the objectives of 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.

Done at [...]

For the Association Council

The President

ANNEX 2

EU-Tunisia Relations: a privileged partnership 2013-2017 Action Plan Summary

I.            INTRODUCTION

Since 14 January 2011 Tunisia has turned a new page in its modern history thanks to a peaceful revolution in favour of human dignity and freedom, whose sole mover was the Tunisian people. This revolution has laid the foundations for the development of true democracy based on the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

These values, shared with the European Union, have inspired the two parties to raise their relations to a higher, more strategic level, namely a privileged partnership. Thanks to the revolution, radically new vistas have opened up in relations between Tunisia and the EU. The EU is determined to make a long-term commitment to support Tunisia's democratic transition, aware that success will have beneficial repercussions on both Tunisia's prosperity and that of the region as a whole. Support for the Tunisian transition is a historic opportunity for the EU to respond practically, effectively and positively to the challenges posed by both Tunisia and the ‘Arab Spring’, in accordance with the revamped Neighbourhood Policy of 2011.

A new neighbourhood policy

In response to the historic challenges facing its neighbourhood, the EU has formulated a new approach with the aim of offering solutions better suited to the rapid development of its partner countries and their need for reforms to establish and consolidate healthy democracies, support sustainable and inclusive economic growth and manage crossborder links and flows.

This new approach[1] is based on mutual accountability and a shared commitment to the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It offers greater differentiation in the formulation of support, in line with the ambitions of the partner country for closer ties with the EU, with its specific needs and capacity, and with progress in implementing reforms, consolidating democracy and the rule of law and upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms. It will also translate this further deepening of relations into greater economic integration and a deepening of political cooperation in the areas of governance, security, conflict resolution and the adoption of joint initiatives in international forums on issues of common interest.

The new Neighbourhood Policy approach is designed: (a) to give greater support to partners committed to consolidating democracy and upholding the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms and gender equality; (b) to support the development of a sustainable and inclusive economy that reduces social and regional inequalities, creates jobs and improves living standards; (c) to establish a closer partnership with the people and civil societies of partner countries.

New priorities for Tunisia

The Tunisian revolution brings with it the hope of a better life for Tunisians, marking a break with an outdated development model long marred by structural economic and social cleavages.

The new approach is thus based on the building of a new society which aims to be inclusive and balanced, founded on good governance and transparency and the equitable distribution of wealth.

Priority is given to employment and social cohesion, regional development, security and stability, and transitional justice with a view to anchoring the democratic transition in a long-term process.

These priorities also underline the commitment to step up the reforms necessary to establish democratic institutions that respect human rights and fundamental rights and confirm Tunisia's desire to build an open and modern society, a plural cultural space and dynamic social fabric.

Economic and social reforms will also be stepped up in order to revive the economy and promote job-creating sustainable growth based on knowledge and innovation.

Efforts will focus on the development of a just, solidarity-inspired social policy that is beneficial to all categories and regions and on the modernisation of the fabric of the economy, with a greater focus on more innovative, environmentally friendly activities with a high technological content, and on improved competitiveness and a more attractive business climate to foster private initiative and public-private partnerships.

A privileged partnership

The conditions are thus right for Tunisia and the EU to raise their relations to a higher, more strategic level and step up integration, in view of their shared greater ambitions. Rapprochement with the European Union constitutes a permanent and fundamental foreign-policy choice by Tunisia[2], in parallel with the promotion of Maghreb integration and consolidation of relations with the Arab, Mediterranean and African countries. Tunisia and the European Union also share the view that greater economic liberalisation and economic and social integration are a source of growth and employment and so promote inclusive development and shared prosperity.

With the privileged partnership Tunisia wishes to advance to a new level of integration with the EU which is as high as possible.

This new status reflects the desire of both parties to be part of a process of rapprochement that transcends the limits of free trade and includes the mutually beneficial effective mobility of people and increased knowledge-sharing.

It is essential to take account of the human and scientific dimension to this partnership in order to bring civil society, private operators, researchers and students, and local and regional authorities closer together, something that will send a strong political signal to both parties' citizens and business communities.

This jointly prepared evolving action plan for 2013-2017 constitutes the reference framework for identifying the priorities for strengthening relations between the two parties at all levels (political, economic, scientific, social, cultural and human).

In this flexible framework, and on the basis of the implementation of the privileged partnership in accordance with Article 8 of the Treaty on European Union and of the aspirations of the EU and Tunisia to deepen their relations, the parties agree to start canvassing the possibility of reaching a new agreement governing their relations.

Key elements of the privileged partnership between the European Union and Tunisia

Closer relations between the EU and Tunisia in the framework of a privileged partnership will take the following forms:

(a) Deeper political cooperation. The parties hope to give a fresh impetus to political dialogue and cooperation. In particular, it will involve greater high-level political dialogue, parliamentary cooperation, cooperation on security issues, cooperation on democracy and the rule of law, including gender equality, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and greater cooperation with the Council of Europe and other international organisations. It also includes enhanced cooperation on security, justice, border management and the fight against organised crime.

(b) Greater social and economic integration with the European Union in order to build a Common Economic Area. The privileged partnership is also designed to achieve a deeper economic, social and human integration of the partners. It reflects the challenges faced by Tunisia in the transition to democracy, including economic recovery and the imperatives of solidarity and sustainable development. With an eye to the development of trade and economic links, it is planned to conclude a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement (DCFTA) between Tunisia and the European Union that will contribute to Tunisia's gradual integration into the EU's internal market EU and the eventual establishment of a Common Economic Area.

Tunisia wants to work towards greater regulatory harmonisation through a gradual approximation of legislation. In accordance with this Action Plan, Tunisia and the EU will jointly determine which sectors will have priority for approximation. Having identified the discrepancies between Tunisian legislation and the acquis communautaire, Tunisia will set out the approximation objectives in relation to the acquis communautaire in a national harmonisation programme, while the EU will provide accompanying measures to support the achievement of these objectives.

This integration will be underpinned by an enhanced dialogue on the socio-economic reforms that will embrace economic performance, the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the development of an integrated employment strategy and social inclusion, together with extensive sectoral cooperation covering key areas such as energy, transport, industry, agriculture, the environment and climate change (see Annex 2).

(c) A closer partnership between peoples. A privileged partnership is unimaginable without the strengthening of ties between peoples through closer links and direct cooperation between individuals and organisations. In this context cooperation and exchanges in the areas of education, vocational training, employment, research and innovation, health, culture and youth play a key role. The dialogue will also cover migration, mobility and security with the aim of concluding a mobility partnership establishing a framework for balanced and responsible cooperation on the movement of people, management of legal migration, the links between migration and development, protection of migrants' rights and efforts to stop illegal migration, immigration-related organised crime and readmission.

Similarly, the strengthening of relations between the EU and Tunisia involves a broad mobilisation of all non-state actors and members of civil society, who have an important role to play in making democratisation a success. Consultation mechanisms will be established in order to ensure that civil society fully assumes its role as interlocutor in the dialogue with the authorities and the European institutions, in particular in terms of finalising and implementing this Action Plan.

A new method

The qualitative leap that the EU and Tunisia propose to make in their relations will be based on a number of principles and tools that will help ensure that the objectives are achieved

Specific, clear targeted commitments over a period of 5 years. Deeper relations imply that the partners enter into major commitments in a few priority sectors in order to meet the challenges of the democratic transition: economic recovery, promotion of SMEs and sustainable and inclusive development, employment, improved living conditions and less inequality; the consolidation of the rule of law, good governance and democratic pluralism, independence of the judiciary, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality, reform of the security sector, independence of the media and support for civil society. The privileged partnership should also help bring our societies together in the broadest sense, through an expanded intercultural dialogue.

Participation in EU agencies and programmes. Another tool contributing to the goal of greater integration between Tunisia and the EU is Tunisia's participation in a number of EU agencies and programmes with a legal basis providing for the participation of non-member countries. The Action Plan sets out the practical steps to take here.

More ambitious technical and financial support, tailored to Tunisia’s priorities and in line with the new guidelines of the European Neighbourhood Policy, that will support the implementation of the objectives of the Association Agreement in the framework of the EU's post-2014 financial perspectives. The privileged partnership raises the expectation that the EU will provide an appropriate level of financial assistance to Tunisia matching the scale of the reforms, its specific needs, its capacity and progress in implementing reforms.

The EU has already confirmed its decision to increase significantly its support for Tunisia, pledging at least €400 million for the period 2011-2013 (compared with the €240 million which had been set aside before the revolution). The funds set aside will be used primarily to accompany the reforms necessary to establish a democratic state (support for the organisation of elections, reform of the security sector, the judiciary and the media, and assistance with the process of transitional justice and the upholding of human rights and fundamental freedoms) and to pursue economic recovery and strengthen social cohesion (economic reforms, promotion of employment and regional development, and efforts to reduce social exclusion, inequality and poverty, institutional capacity-building, etc.).

In addition, some Member States, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide substantial support, in particular for investment, infrastructure, private-sector support and employment, inter alia via their G8 commitments (Deauville Partnership). The programming of this support in line with the relevant procedures will take into account commitments made under the Action Plan and any other relevant instrument, including the findings of the EU‑Tunisia Task Force of 28 and 29 September 2011.

Flexibility and interim evaluation. The five-year Action Plan may be reviewed by the Association Council in the light of progress in implementation or of any new requirements arising from circumstances in Tunisia or the European Union. The bodies set up under the Association Agreement will make appropriate proposals.

Monitoring implementation of the Action Plan. The introduction of reforms in several key sectors will require the setting of clear targets and the availability of adequate resources. To ensure the best possible implementation and link the objectives and progress made in achieving these objectives with the aid provided, there will be regular monitoring by the Association Committee and the subcommittees established under the Association Agreement and through each party's progress reports.

The two parties will review the subcommittees with a view to adjusting their membership and responsibilities to the new ambitions of the privileged status.

II.          ACTION PLAN

Wishing to give this Action Plan a character that is both strategic and operational, the parties agree to focus their cooperation on a limited number of areas and objectives, as summarised in the table in Annex 1.

In addition, the achievement of the Action Plan's objectives will call for an enhanced dialogue on the socio-economic reforms, including employment policy, social inclusion and strategies to revive the economy with a view to sustainable, knowledge-based growth, and wide-ranging sectoral cooperation covering key areas such as energy, transport, industry, agriculture, tourism, skills development, the environment and climate change

This is the reference document for implementation of the Association Agreement (AA). It covers all the areas covered by the AA and provides a framework for the overall cooperation between Tunisia and the EU, including the work of the Association Committee and subcommittees. The subcommittees have the task of formulating, on the basis of the priorities identified in the Action Plan, the specific actions needed to pursue these goals.

In the period ahead, the parties will focus their priorities on the following areas:

Rule of law and democracy

1.           Establishing a democratic electoral system, in particular by consolidating the independence and functioning of the independent electoral commission responsible for the management and organisation of elections.

2.           Ensuring the independence of the judiciary, increasing its professionalism and efficiency (access to justice, duration of trials), and upholding human rights, the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.

3.           Reforming the security sector as part of a root-and-branch reform to ensure compliance with international standards on the rule of law, human rights and international law.

4.           Strengthening the protection of human rights, including the rights of women and children.

5.           Reforming the media and professionalisation of the sector.

6.           Strengthening the role and capacity of civil society.

Cooperation on migration, mobility and security

7.           Dialogue on migration, mobility and security and conclusion of a mobility partnership.

Greater social and economic integration

8.           Economic reform for inclusive growth, competitiveness and a better business and investment climate.

9.           Deepening economic integration and conclusion of a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement and approximation with the EU acquis.

10.         Developing skills and access to knowledge and innovation.

11.         Employment, social cohesion and integration, and regional and local development.

12.         Agricultural and rural development.

Sustainable development

13.         Developing and implementing strategies and programmes for sustainable development, including improved environmental protection pursuant to the intention set out in the Commission’s Communication on the Multiannual Financial Framework of June 2011[3] to raise to at least 20 % the share of the EU's budget allocated to the climate.

The table in Annex 1 provides a reference framework for reviewing these priorities, and also contains indicators, a timetable for implementation and the resources mobilised.

A.          Political cooperation

I.            Political and strategic dialogue and cooperation

1.           Enhanced political and strategic dialogue

            Specific activities/objectives:

· strengthen the political dialogue, in particular through the organisation of EU‑Tunisia summits on an ad hoc basis and regular meetings at ministerial and senior-official levels;

· promote the ad hoc participation of Tunisian representatives in informal meetings of the Council committees and groups responsible for EU foreign policy and common security;

· increase consultation in multilateral forums (United Nations, etc.) in order to harmonise and coordinate policy positions on issues of common interest;

· cooperate in diplomatic matters, notably by establishing cooperation relations and exchanges of experience between Tunisia's Institut Diplomatique pour la Formation et les Études and the academic institutions and diplomatic academies of the Member States.

2.           Parliamentary cooperation

            Specific activities/objectives:

· develop parliamentary cooperation, in particular through support to the Parliamentary Assembly, establish a joint parliamentary committee of the European Parliament and the Tunisian Parliament, strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Tunisian Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and exchanges between political parties and parliamentary groups in Tunisia and the EU.

3.           Step up dialogue and cooperation on conflict prevention and crisis management.

            Specific activities/objectives:

· step up EU-Tunisia dialogue and cooperation in the context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP);

· help develop the partnership for peace and security in Africa with due consideration for the interests of both parties;

· increase Tunisia's participation in the Mediterranean Partnership of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) through the contact group and bilateral contributions on a voluntary basis.

4.           Closer cooperation on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery, controls on transfers of conventional arms and prevention of the dissemination of small arms and light weapons.

Specific activities/objectives:

Weapons of mass destruction and dual-use goods:

· cooperate on and contribute to the full implementation of existing international obligations to stop the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems, and support the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);

· in accordance with the parties' international commitments, in particular the relevant international resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 1540/2004, continue implementation of a system for effective control of dual use goods at national level and criminalisation of the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems;

· take the necessary steps for the signing, ratification or accession to other international treaties and other treaties and instruments to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems;

· adopt national legislation to criminalise the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems;

· with the support of the EU, set up an effective national system of controls on the export and transit of goods linked to WMDs, including monitoring the end use of dual-use technologies;

Conventional weapons:

· develop the regular political dialogue on transfers of conventional arms and strengthen cooperation aimed at preventing illicit trafficking;

· step up consultations on the adoption of a UN treaty to establish common standards for the global trade in conventional arms;

· with the support of the EU, set up an effective national system of controls on the export of conventional arms and munitions, including controls on end users.

5.           Cooperation on civil protection

Specific activities/objectives:

· pursue regional cooperation on disaster prevention, preparedness, training, detection, early warning and response, including man-made and natural disasters and technological risks;

· establish operational arrangements between Tunisian and European Commission bodies for cooperation with the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) when the EU civil protection mechanism has been activated.

II.          Democracy, the rule of law and governance

6.           Alignment of Tunisia's legislative framework on that of the EU/Council of Europe in these areas

Specific activities/objectives:

· strengthen cooperation between Tunisia and the Council of Europe on the promotion of human rights, the rule of law and democracy, particularly in view of Tunisia's possible accession to some Council of Europe conventions.

7.           Strengthen institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law

Specific activities/objectives:

· adopt constitutional, legislative and regulatory provisions to strengthen the rule of law (covering the role of parliament, the independence of political parties, etc.);

· build the administrative capacity of democratic institutions and actors (parliament, political parties, etc.);

· adopt a democratic electoral framework, establish an independent electoral commission and build the capacity of the organisations of Tunisian civil society to carry out election monitoring, and adopt regulations on election monitoring (including by international actors).

8.           Strengthen the independence and efficiency of the judiciary and efforts to improve prison conditions

Specific activities/objectives:

· reform and modernise the justice sector to ensure its independence, impartiality, professionalism, accountability and a better functioning, drawing, when appropriate, on the standards developed by the United Nations and the Council of Europe;

· as part of the reform of the justice system, provide technical support for Tunisia's efforts to modernise the sector, including through computerisation of the administration, better access to justice and capacity-building for stakeholders;

· establish mechanisms/actions for transitional justice;

· reform the criminal code and code of criminal procedures to bring them into line with international law in the field of human rights;

· step up efforts to improve conditions of detention and imprisonment, especially for minors, and safeguard the rights of detainees, including through training and capacity building for those responsible for enforcing the law.

III.         Dialogue and cooperation on issues relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms

9.           Dialogue and cooperation on issues relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms

            Specific activities/objectives:

· strengthen EU-Tunisia dialogue and cooperation on the upholding and promotion of human rights and fundamental rights;

· strengthen dialogue on cooperation within international institutions, above all the UN.

10.         Implementation of international conventions on human rights and cooperation with the special procedures and mechanisms of the UN

Specific activities/objectives:

· uphold the principle of the primacy of ratified international conventions over domestic law;

· gradually complete the process of transposing and implementing the international conventions ratified by Tunisia with the aim of lifting any reservations[4];

· cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and with the UN's special mechanisms on human rights, in particular following the Tunisian authorities' standing invitation made in February 2011;

· support Tunisia's implementation of the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council (May 2012) that it has accepted.

11.         Ensure the freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, in accordance with the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Specific activities/objectives:

· strengthen freedom of association and peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and opinion on the basis of the relevant recommendations of the UN Committee of the ICCPR and the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, including those concerning NGOs and non-state actors;

· improve the new press code to bring it into line with international standards; abolish in particular custodial sentences for press offences and defamation, and guarantee the protection of sources;

· ensure free and unrestricted access to new technologies, including the internet, and guarantee freedom of expression and dissemination of information on the internet, in accordance with international law;

· foster exchanges and cooperation initiatives between the Tunisian and EU voluntary sectors.

12.         Promotion and protection of the rights of women and children

Specific activities/objectives:

· implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the principle of equal rights and civil, political, economic, social and cultural liberties;

· consolidate the legislative framework with a view to combating all forms of discrimination, promoting gender equality and increasing the participation and integration of women in public, political, cultural and economic life;

· continue action on gender equality and combating discrimination and violence against women in line with the relevant international conventions; strengthen the legislative framework to provide better protection for women against all forms of violence, including domestic violence;

· strengthen the role of civil society in promoting and protecting the rights of women and children and encourage networking in the field;

· consolidate children's rights on the basis of the recommendations of the United Nations Children's Rights Committee, in particular the protection of children against all forms of violence and against neglect and exploitation.

13.         Abolition of the death penalty and combating torture and all forms of discrimination

Specific activities/objectives:

· maintain the de facto moratorium on executions;

· continue the dialogue on revision of the Criminal Code with a view to abolition of the death penalty;

· consider joining the cross-regional initiative on the death penalty, supported by the EU within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly;

· following Tunisia's ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, provide technical support for the implementation of the Protocol and its instruments, including support for setting up the national preventive mechanism provided for in the Protocol.

14.         Promotion of the role of civil society and protection of human rights defenders

Specific activities/objectives:

· strengthen the participation of all components of Tunisian society in public and political life, in particular by consolidating the guarantees of fundamental freedoms and setting up mechanisms for consultation and dialogue;

· step up the involvement of civil society actors and stakeholders in proposing, formulating and monitoring the implementation of constitutional and legislative reforms.

15.         Cooperation on the universal application of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Specific activities/objectives:

· adopt national legislation implementing the Rome Statute and exchanges of experiences about the legal adjustments required for the implementation of the Rome Statute;

· support the training of judges, lawyers and the security forces in matters falling within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in particular study of ICC and national case-law in the areas covered by the ICC.

IV.         Regional and continent-wide cooperation and initiatives

16.         Support implementation of regional integration initiatives and projects

Specific activities/objectives:

· promote intraregional, including intra-Maghreb, integration, especially within the Arab Maghreb Union and the Agadir Process;

· step up cooperation within Maghreb regional institutions, the 5 + 5 Dialogue, the Mediterranean Forum, the Union for the Mediterranean, the Africa‑EU Partnership and regional organisations such as the Sahara and Sahel Observatory;

· start a dialogue on the possibilities of triangular cooperation involving Tunisian and European public and private stakeholders to stimulate development in Africa.

V.          Justice and security cooperation

17.         Development of legislation on legal and judicial cooperation between states and provision of appropriate accompanying measures

Specific activities/objectives:

· undertake as soon as possible analysis of the main international conventions, particularly those drawn up in the framework of the Hague Conference on private international law relating to family law;

· continue to encourage practical solutions to prevent, manage and settle parental responsibility disputes, including the question of children of separated mixed couples;

· pursue the dialogue on international child protection and family-law issues in the context of Tunisia’s participation in the Judicial Conference on Cross‑Frontier Family Issues (the Malta Process);

· explore the possibility of signing, ratifying and implementing the main international conventions, such as: the 1965 Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters; the 1970 Hague Convention on Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters; the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction; the 1996 Convention on Parental Responsibility and the Protection of Children.

18.         Consolidation of judicial cooperation and approximation of the two parties' legal systems

Specific activities/objectives:

· take stock of EU-Tunisia judicial cooperation and take measures to step it up;

· continue implementation of measures provided for in the UN Conventions against transnational organised crime (UNTOC) and against Corruption (UNCAC);

· set up a support programme for the modernisation and independence of the judiciary in Tunisia.

19.         Strengthening cooperation between the judicial and police authorities of Tunisia and the Member States

Specific activities/objectives:

· take stock of EU-Tunisia cooperation with a view to deepening cooperation, especially through exchanges of experiences between training centres in the EU Member States and their Tunisian counterparts on legal and security matters;

· ensure implementation of measures contained in UN Conventions.

20.         Stepping up the fight against corruption

Specific activities/objectives:

· exchanges of information on European and Tunisian legislation and on the implementation of international instruments, exchanges of best practices in the fight against corruption and the development of cooperation in this area, also as part of the implementation of the 2003 UN Convention on corruption;

· support the efforts of the Tunisian authorities to stamp out corruption, including the establishment of a specialist judicial centre to handle corruption cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance;

· investigate the possibility of supporting the implementation of Legislative Decree No 120 of 14 November 2011 on the anti-corruption body;

· continue to provide support, through mutual assistance in criminal matters, for Tunisia's efforts to recover the assets fraudulently acquired by the ousted president and his family, which are currently frozen under the jurisdiction of EU Member States, pursuant to the relevant international conventions, including the 2003 UN Convention against corruption.

21.         Cooperation to combat terrorism and organised crime

Specific activities/objectives:

· strengthen cooperation between judicial and security agencies in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime, including on the basis of the ratification and implementation of relevant international instruments, by encouraging the participation of Tunisian officials in specific and specialised training courses in the prevention and fight against terrorism in the EU Member States;

· cooperate through the exchange of best practices and technical exchanges and continue outreach efforts to make young people aware of the dangers of violent radicalisation and extremism in all its forms and instil in them a culture of openness, tolerance and solidarity, including solidarity with the victims of terrorism, and protect them against involvement in crime, including terrorist acts;

· support Tunisia's efforts to ensure that human rights are upheld in the fight against terrorism, also in the framework of the security-sector reforms.

22.         International instruments to fight organised crime

Specific activities/objectives:

· exchange information about, and experiences of, implementation of the 2000 UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (and its additional protocols);

· formulate legislation that is compliant with the relevant international standards and instruments in the fight against organised crime.

23.         Development of methods and means to combat trafficking in human beings and to protect its victims

Specific activities/objectives:

· adopt a legislative framework to combat trafficking in human beings and to protect the victims of trafficking;

· capacity-building of the various judicial and security professions, including targeted specialist training activities to fight against trafficking in human beings and protect victims of trafficking;

· initiate a dialogue to agree a common approach to tackling trafficking that targets recruiters, transporters, operators, other intermediaries, clients and beneficiaries;

· step up support to the most vulnerable groups (women and children);

· develop measures to prevent illegal immigration aimed, in particular, at the most vulnerable groups, including the provision of support, including European support, to promote co-development, the creation of livelihoods and employment and improved living conditions and environments in areas of high migration.

VI.         Cooperation on migration, mobility and security

24.         Protection of asylum seekers and refugees

Specific activities/objectives:

· cooperation between Tunisia and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) so that the UNHCR can fulfil its role;

· development and implementation by Tunisia of legislation on asylum based on international principles and standards and of an administration tasked with identifying, protecting, assisting and hosting asylum seekers and refugees;

· EU support to help Tunisia develop and implement domestic legislation and build the capacity of an administration to deal with asylum matters, including advice, training and technical support;

· EU-Tunisia exchange of information on respective asylum-related policies, laws and situations;

25.         Cooperation on migration, mobility and security;

· open a dialogue on migration, mobility and security with a view to conclusion of a Mobility Partnership; implement the measures provided for in the Mobility Partnership.

VII.        Drugs

26.         Step up action to combat drug-trafficking and drug addiction

Specific activities/objectives:

· support implementation of the relevant principles of the 1967, 1971 and 1988 UN Conventions and the principles recorded in the UN General Assembly Special Session;

· launch special training measures for drug enforcement bodies;

· development and implementation of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes for drug addicts.

VIII.      Money laundering, economic and financial crimes

27.         Strengthening cooperation efforts to combat money laundering

Specific activities/objectives:

· continue development of an effective legal framework for preventing and combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism in accordance with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF); identify requirements for administrative and technical assistance and training;

· step up cooperation between police forces and with international organisations, such as the FATF and the Council of Europe, and also with corresponding services of the EU Member States, particularly exchanges of information between European and Tunisian financial intelligence units (FIU).

B.           Social and economic integration: towards a common economic area

Pillar 1 - Macroeconomic framework and public finances

28.         Stabilising the macroeconomic framework

· revitalise and speed up economic growth;

· make the economy more resilient by consolidating macroeconomic fundamentals, particularly as regards foreign payments and the national budget;

· ensure the sustainability of the public debt and external national debt;

· continue implementation of the conclusions of the study on improving the management of the public debt through supervision of treasury issues and ensuring proper management of the state's liquid assets.

29.         Consolidating public-finance management

· start canvassing reform of the food and energy subsidy system with the aim of targeting these transfers on disadvantaged groups;

· continue implementation of budget management by objectives;

· improve budgetary transparency by developing in the medium term the publication of consolidated accounts of financial transactions of the state, local authorities, social security funds and government administrative enterprises.

30.         Continued public administration reform

· continue reform of the tax system to make it fairer;

· continue modernising the tax administration (training, computerisation and use of new communication technologies, tax administration governance and information systems);

· continue and deepen the dialogue on the principles of good tax governance, including the EU code of conduct on business taxation, to ensure fair conditions as Tunisia gradually becomes integrated into the internal market;

· promote exchanges of experience and know-how on EU Member States' tax systems.

31.         Consolidating the transparency and effectiveness of procedures for the award of public contracts and concessions (this action will be discussed by the Internal Market Subcommittee)

· continue alignment of Tunisian legislation on international and European standards to ensure a gradual opening-up, efficiency, responsibility, transparency, equal access to information and competition;

· continue modernisation of the procedures for administering, managing and monitoring the performance of public contracts, in particular implementation of electronic procedures for public procurement;

· continue effective training programmes for buyers/authorising officers of national and local authorities, and of officials responsible for reviewing contract award and performance;

· strengthen cooperation and exchanges of experiences concerning data monitoring and management between Tunisian and European counterparts, including the National Observatory of Public Procurement and the relevant departments of the European Commission dealing with procurement;

· promote cooperation and exchanges of experience and information about dispute settlement for procurement procedures in accordance with international and European standards with a view to adapting them as necessary.

Pillar 2 - Governance, competitiveness and the business environment

2.1 Governance and administrative reform

32.         Strengthening public governance

· develop a governance communications strategy;

· create participatory governance portal;

· carry out perception surveys, improve the evaluation of public policies and develop performance indicators for assessment and decision making;

· set up a national integrity system.

33.         Strengthening internal financial control in the public sector

· draft a policy and strategy document on internal controls of public finances (financial management, financial control and internal auditing) with reference to international best practice and standards, including a comparative analysis of international frameworks and standards and current internal-control practice in Tunisia;

· taking into account the findings of the comparative study and strategic document, strengthen the legislative and regulatory framework and, if necessary, coordination of internal financial control within the public sector, and promote the development of adequate administrative and institutional capacity (training, guides, audit manuals, audit software, certification, etc.);

· pursue gradual harmonisation with internationally recognised standards and methodologies and with the EU's best practice concerning the control and verification of income, expenditure, assets and liabilities.

34.         Strengthening verification and external audits

· gradually align the control methods of the Court of Auditors and the national audit body on international standards and on EU best practice for external audits;

· build the administrative and procedural capacity of the Court of Auditors as the State Audit Institution (SAI), targeting its role solely on external audits, making it more independent and ensuring that its budget is approved by parliament and its reports made public;

· build the institutional capacity of the High Committee for Administrative and Financial Control to coordinate control tasks (programming, control methods, tools, and so on) and monitor the relevant reports;

· build administrative capacity and develop exchanges of experience in the early detection of irregularities and fraud that could affect the allocation and management of domestic and international funds, including EU funds;

· promote project-evaluation missions and public actions and policies, and develop audit and evaluation tools;

· build capacity to control the advisability of an action, public management and 'value for money';

· set up a system to certify public auditors;

· ensure cooperation with the relevant EU institutions and bodies in the event of on-the-spot inspections related to the management and control of EU funds.

35.         Promoting the alignment of statistical methods on European standards (Article 60 of the AA)

· develop a strategy for harmonisation with European concepts, classifications, standards and methods, notably in connection with economic, social and environmental statistics;

· improve the quality of statistics (also with a view to the Millennium Development Goals, sustainable development and developments in other areas) and their accessibility and clarity (dissemination of statistics and awareness of them among users), and also ensure their updating and punctuality (completeness of data transmission between Eurostat and the Tunisian statistics service);

· establish a medium-term action plan to upgrade (institutionally and legally) the Tunisian statistics service and other statistical structures, with a focus on human resources, statistical programming and production, analysis, dissemination, etc.;

· support the Tunisian statistics service in implementing a ‘quality label’ for public statistics in line with best practice at European level;

· strengthen EU-Tunisia cooperation activities in the field of statistics in order to develop the Tunisian national statistical system and ensure that it is better integrated into the international statistical system;

· participate actively in the formulation and implementation of a regional strategy (Maghreb and Mediterranean) for the development of statistics;

· promote regional and subregional cooperation and the exchange of best practices to help improve the quality of statistical data and ensure their international comparability.

36.         Ongoing public administration reform

· continue improvements to the quality of administrative services and the process of reducing red tape and delays and increase e-government;

· improve relations with users and develop communications, particularly through mechanisms for feedback, opinion polls and the like;

· establish a system of participatory assessment of administrative services provided by various public bodies;

· provide proximity services to users, inter alia by extending local offices for public services, especially in regions where administrative services are thin on the ground ;

· establish the mechanisms and tools needed to ensure implementation of the Decree-Law on Access to Administrative Documents;

· help fight corruption through the implementation of whistleblowing mechanisms to denounce instances of corruption;

· promote the training of Tunisian officials in EU policies and programmes.

2.2 A knowledge-based competitive economy

37.         Improving the performance and competitiveness of the Tunisian economy

· pursue structural reforms to make the economy more competitive, promote economic dialogue between Tunisia and the EU, and promote coordination of the recovery strategy in the spirit of the 2020 initiative (for sustainable growth and jobs);

· foster the structural transformation of the economy into an economy driven by high value-added sectors and improve productivity, increasing its contribution to economic growth;

· continue the industrial upgrading programme, follow up the Tunisian‑EU structuring programmes aimed at supporting business competitiveness and innovation, such as the programme to support the competitiveness of enterprises and facilitate market access (PCAM) and the project to support the system of research and innovation (PASRI), and, with EU support, speed up implementation of the agricultural upgrading programmes;

· with EU support, speed up implementation of the services upgrading programme, the setting-up of an information and monitoring system, development of a better match between supply and demand in the labour market, and closer cooperation on quality, certification, entrepreneurship, associations and networking;

· implement the government's strategy to increase private investment, including privatisation;

· develop the government's strategy to open up the infrastructure sector to private-sector participation and draft a framework law on public-private partnership.

2.3 A more attractive business environment

38.         Improving the business environment

· review and strengthen the regulatory framework for investment and doing business with a view to greater simplicity, transparency and efficiency;

· set up a national investment body to act as a one-stop shop for local and foreign investors and also a sovereign investment fund;

· promote an environment conducive to business by specifically focusing on the ongoing reform of the judicial system, including court enforcement procedures, and on improving the specialist knowledge of judges and reforming bankruptcy legislation;

· establish mechanisms for observing and monitoring the administrative business environment in Tunisia and international practices;

· enhance Tunisia's attractiveness as a location for high value-added and innovative activities and support the promotion of investment in the region, including identification and development of regional potential and specific features.

39.         Promoting investment and partnership and improving the anchoring of local investment

· encourage the development of partnerships between Tunisian and EU enterprises and clusters and foster technology transfers;

· mobilise local businesses around foreign investment to stimulate innovation and domestic economic development;

· promote and institutionalise cooperation between Tunisian and European business associations and support the organisation of an EU‑Tunisia economic forum.

40.         Harmonisation of company law to protect all parties and facilitate business activity

· encourage alignment on European and international company law standards;

· protect shareholders in accordance with European standards and practices in this area;

· in line with European and international standards: (i) support the private sector in finalising good governance guides for different types of company and (ii) draft good governance guidelines for public entities;

· modernise the operational management of the business register and the system of publication in the official bulletin to inform third parties.

41.         Adoption of international and European financial audit standards and reform of the Tunisian corporate accounting system to bring it into line with European and international accounting standards

· continue efforts to promote the quality of statutory audits;

· continue efforts to steer the development of the corporate accounting system towards the adoption of European and international accounting standards;

· ensure cooperation with the EU institutions and bodies responsible for accounting standards and the oversight of statutory audits.

42.         Strengthening cooperation on business policy

· strengthen cooperation with the EU on policy to promote SMEs through the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise, drawing inspiration from the Small Business Act in particular, and filling the gaps in SME support services;

· promote greater integration of Tunisian SMEs into the Enterprise Europe Network through the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding;

· encourage Tunisia's participation in the programme to support the competitiveness of companies and SMEs;

· support improved mechanisms for setting up businesses and promote SMEs' access to finance through the strengthening of equity financing instruments and pre-seed mechanisms for young promoters and innovative activities;

· support institutional capacity-building for structures to aid SMEs, particularly guidance for investors, marketing and drawing up business plans, and the like;

· step up the activity of investment funds and their intervention in the regions.

Pillar 3: Deepening integration and conclusion of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement

The two parties underline their desire to continue the work of gradually integrating their economies with the objective of ultimately creating a Common Economic Area through increased trade facilitation and a start as soon as possible to negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) as part of Tunisia's engagement in a process of democratic and economic reforms.

The DCFTA provides for better market access opportunities, an improved investment climate and greater support for economic reforms undertaken to this end. The DCFTA, which will be an integral part of the AA, will thus cover a large number of areas of common interest (non exhaustive list: the focus will be on priority sectors chosen by the two parties in the framework of legislative approximation):

· further liberalisation to improve market access for agricultural products, processed agricultural products, fishery products and industrial products, taking into account the circumstances of both parties;

· technical regulations for industrial products, standards, conformity assessment and market surveillance;

· sanitary and phytosanitary measures;

· liberalisation of trade in services and investment protection;

· public procurement;

· competition policy;

· capital movements and payments;

· protection of intellectual property rights, including the protection of Tunisian and European geographical indications;

· customs;

· trade facilitation;

· dialogue on trade defence instruments;

· trade and sustainable development.

In negotiating the DCFTA the parties will take into account the sensitivity of certain sectors and provision will be made for asymmetrical commitments appropriate to the development differential between the two parties. The DCFTA should also identify the priorities for regulatory approximation with the acquis communautaire on the basis of mutual interests; a dynamic approach should be adopted to allow for additional regulatory approximation at a later date and gradual implementation.

Under the DCFTA the two parties will thus aim to achieve the following.

3.1 Better access to markets for goods through the removal of tariff and non tariff barriers

43.         Agricultural products and sanitary and phytosanitary issues

· resume/finalise the negotiations to liberalise trade in agricultural products, processed agricultural products and fishery products;

· strengthen cooperation to improve animal and plant health and food safety, taking into account animal welfare, also with the aim of facilitating trade in agricultural products between Tunisia and the EU;

· continue implementation of the WTO Agreement on the application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and the international standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Codex Alimentarius;

· on the basis of the standards of the relevant organisations, gradually align Tunisian sanitary, phytosanitary and animal-welfare laws and regulations with those of the EU in order to achieve equivalent protection, including hygiene, identification and traceability of live animals, animal feed and food;

· adopt and start implementing the draft framework law on food safety;

· strengthen and upgrade institutions and laboratories, including those for the certification of agricultural products;

· cooperate in order to improve measures for the prevention and eradication of animal diseases and plant pests, including the setting–up of relevant professional bodies;

· exchanges of technical expertise and experience, including participation in the training workshops of the European Commission's 'Better Training for Safer Food' (BTSF) programme;

· continue cooperation on health alerts, especially within the EU's Rapid Alert System (RASFF);

· upgrade and strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary border controls, including the infrastructure of border inspection posts (BIPs).

44.         Industrial products

· complete alignment of horizontal legislation on accreditation, conformity assessment and market surveillance with a view to harmonising it with the EU New Legislative Framework (NLF) of 2008;

· for selected priority sectors, finalise alignment of sectoral legislation and the adoption of European standards, together with the elimination of conflicting standards, and identify other potential sectors;

· continue and finalise the upgrading of institutions responsible for accreditation, standardisation, conformity assessment, metrology and market surveillance, especially by implementing the recommendations emerging from twinning projects and technical assistance and through exchanges of information and expertise and their integration into European and international structures;

· finalise preparations for the construction materials and electrical products sectors, and negotiate and conclude an agreement on conformity assessment and acceptance of industrial products (ACAA) for these two priority sectors; other priority sectors, in particular machinery, pressure equipment and measuring instruments, may be added to the agreement as legislative alignment proceeds;

· continue efforts to raise awareness among economic actors, including Tunisian SMEs, and provide them with the necessary support for implementation of European directives and standards adopted by Tunisia;

· implement the ACAA, extend its application and ensure its sustainability with appropriate EU support.

45.         Trade facilitation and development

· overhaul the foreign trade regime to reduce non-tariff barriers and strengthen instruments and bodies in the fields of trade facilitation, awareness-raising, controls, and implementation of legislation;

· strengthen cooperation as much as possible, including through the exchange of information on trade defence;

· develop the capacity of TBT (technical barriers to trade) inquiry points to improve information flows and cooperation between the EU and Tunisia and to relay information to operators.

46.         Revision of rules of origin

· conclude the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin;

· continue negotiations on the revision of these rules in order to simplify them and take account of new technical and technological developments in industry and of development priorities in strategic sectors for Tunisia, such as textiles and agri-food products, so as to mitigate the impact of tariff erosion in the region.

47.         Customs cooperation

· continue implementation of customs measures facilitating trade, while also ensuring the security of the international supply chain (greater use of risk analysis, ex-post controls, simplified customs clearance procedures for known and certified operators, transparent legislation, extending the one-stop shop pilot project, etc.);

· continue work on integrated management with other border stakeholders;

· strengthen dialogue on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) system in order to bring Tunisian rules into line with those of the EU, with the ultimate aim, once the conditions are met, of an agreement between the Tunisian and EU customs administrations on mutual recognition of AEO status;

· continue the capacity-building of Tunisian customs institutions;

· take part in the Customs 2020 programme.

48.         Intellectual property rights: gradually bringing Tunisian legislation into line with that of the EU and enforcing effective implementation of these provisions, also by the courts

· further align Tunisian legislation on that of the EU in the areas of industrial‑property, copyright and related rights, and finalise preparations to join the international conventions provided for in the Association Agreement (analysis of gap between Tunisian and EU legislation, adopting approximated legislation, etc.);

· align Tunisian legislation on EU legislation on the protection of geographical indications (PGI) and designations of origin (PDO) (analysis of gap between Tunisian and EU legislation, adopting approximated legislation, etc.);

· build administrative and judicial capacity, in particular to combat counterfeiting and piracy, in coordination with EU institutions, bodies and the private sector (regular activities, action plan, dialogue, etc.);

· increase means to ensure an effective and dissuasive protection of intellectual property rights (step up powers and capacity of customs, criminal and judicial follow-up, economic assessment of the impact of counterfeiting and piracy on domestic creativity and innovation);

· continue efforts to raise awareness about intellectual property and provide training.

3.2 Improving market access and freedom of establishment for services and service providers

49.         Liberalising trade in services and the right of establishment

· continue and finalise the negotiations on the liberalisation of trade in services and the right of establishment;

· ensure that the conditions for establishment of companies do not become more restrictive than when the Association Agreement was concluded;

· agree a framework to facilitate talks on (i) the mutual recognition of professional qualifications in order to ease the implementation of concessions by the two parties and the mobility of service providers; (ii) implement the pertinent measures referred to in point 25.

50.         Development of Tunisia's services sector

· simplify administrative procedures by ensuring that the procedures governing access to and exercise of service activities are transparent, proportionate and based on objective criteria in order to provide predictability and legal certainty to service providers);

· reform financial services (alignment on European and international rules and surveillance):

· further strengthen the regulatory and supervisory framework for financial markets and actors by aligning it on that of the EU with a view to gradual liberalisation;

· strengthen the powers, effectiveness and independence of the authorities supervising financial markets in accordance with international standards;

· consolidate the financial strength of credit institutions and strengthen prudential provisions in order to achieve convergence on international standards; develop a system of bank deposit protection;

· develop the microfinance sector, particularly in rural areas, and develop financial services tailored to the needs of farmers with small and medium-sized holdings;

· develop the activity of rating agencies and implement their legal framework based on the principles of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the relevant European legislation;

· continue development of the postal sector in Tunisia and facilitate the creation of an appropriate regulatory framework for the sector;

· exchange experiences and expertise on postal regulation, also with a view to convergence with the EU's regulatory framework;

· with EU support, plan the setting-up of a regulatory authority for the postal services market.

51.         Promotion and development of e-commerce

· develop cooperation to promote the network marketing business (sales networks);

· adopt best European and international practices;

· establish appropriate regulation, help graduates to join the virtual economy and create added value and job opportunities.

52.         Capital movements and current payments: complete liberalisation of current payments and continue liberalisation of equity transactions 

· gradually complete the liberalisation of current payments and pursue liberalisation of capital movements in accordance with Article 34 of the Association Agreement;

· exchange information on best practices for the elimination of barriers to the free movement of capital.

3.3 A fair competitive environment

53.         Competition policy: implement and consolidate undertakings made concerning legislation and implementation of an effective competition policy (Articles 36 and 37 of the Association Agreement)

· evaluate the current system (framework legislation in force and implementation) and adopt appropriate measures, in particular antitrust measures, to facilitate the alignment of Tunisian legislation with that of the EU, while upholding the principles of non-discrimination, transparency and procedural fairness;

· continue enhancing the role of the Competition Council.

54.         State monopolies: implement commitments made under Articles 37 and 38 of the Association Agreement

· exchange information on state monopolies, public enterprises and enterprises with special or exclusive rights in order to help Tunisia implement Article 37 of the Association Agreement.

55.         State aid: implement the commitments on state aid made under Article 36 of the Association Agreement         

· ensure that the conditions exist to make state aid transparent.

3.4 Deeper South-South integration

56.         Help ensure completion of a free trade area between the EU and all its Mediterranean partners

· continue implementation of Free Trade Agreements with the Mediterranean partners at regional, intra-regional or bilateral levels;

· support implementation of the Arab-Mediterranean Free Trade Agreement (Agadir Agreement) and its extension to other Mediterranean partners;

· agree and implement mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment and promote deeper South-South integration.

3.5 Moving closer to the EU acquis

· continue, gradually and step by step, to bring Tunisia's legal and regulatory framework closer to the EU acquis, relying in particular on EU instruments of institutional support, particularly in the relevant areas of the internal market;

· to do this a joint mechanism will be set up to identify the priority areas for approximation, the phases and the resources needed; Tunisia will set up, with EU support, a national convergence programme to implement the action plan.

Pillar 4 - Cooperation on employment, social policy and social security

57.         Implementation of reforms in employment policy, including enhancing employability and decent work

· develop and implement a comprehensive national employment strategy, taking into account the post-Constituent Assembly economic and social programme, plus the guidelines of the European Employment Strategy and the nine priorities of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation on employment and labour;

· adapt qualifications to match labour market needs and support the setting-up of a vocational information and guidance service;

· support the creation of a certification system to facilitate recognition of qualifications and promote mobility, career development and employability;

· continue consultations and dialogue on employment, employability and decent work, particularly within the Euro-Med Ministerial Conference on Employment and Labour, in agreement with the principles of flexicurity, justice and social equity;

· increase participation in the formal, productive labour market, in particular that of young people and women, and ensure that active labour-market policies are fair, above all by integrating women and the long-term unemployed among young graduates;

· improve the system for regularly evaluating active labour-market policies in order make them more effective and tailor them to labour market requirements;

· build the capacity and modernise the delivery of public services in charge of employment and labour-market monitoring, particularly in terms of information on employment and the networking of public, private and civil‑society operators.

58.         Full implementation of fundamental social rights and labour standards and improved social-dialogue structures

· continue dialogue and cooperation on implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work and core labour standards and conventions pursuant to the 1998 International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration;

· develop labour legislation designed to make the labour market more flexible while protecting the rights of workers;

· energise social and economic transformation in Tunisia through the conclusion of a new social contract and an effective social dialogue between the social partners; develop tripartite structures and independent bipartite social dialogues, including capacity-building for the social partners;

· implement Tunisia's decent work programme after its adoption by Tunisia and the ILO, and monitor its objectives and indicators;

· strengthen social dialogue within companies and, through the continuing training of members of the Commissions Consultatives des Entreprises (works advisory committees) to help prevent labour disputes and improve productivity and employability in the company;

· strengthen the system for promoting and monitoring health and safety in the workplace, including relevant training measures, enshrinement of the precautionary principle, the prevention of occupational risks relating to the handling of dangerous or toxic substances, and the exchange of best practices and reports in this area;

· formulate legislation on health and safety at work, develop a strategy for preventing and reducing fatal and serious accidents at work, draft standards and certification guides, and map occupational risks;

· strengthen and restructure the Occupational Health and Safety Institute to enable it to adapt to new national and international requirements for workplace health promotion, prevention of occupational risks and ownership of new planning and programming approaches to the well-being of workers;

· implement the national occupational risks management programme (PNGRP), including specific prevention of exposure to occupational risks in agriculture and fisheries;

· promote corporate social responsibility and support the development of business practices complying with the United Nations Global Compact, the ILO Tripartite Declaration on Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and the relevant Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) practices;

59.         Promoting the social inclusion policy and continuing social protection reforms

· continue cooperation to strengthen and consolidate an integrated and effective social inclusion policy that involves civil society;

· reduce the proportion of the population living in absolute or relative poverty or in a position of great vulnerability, as recognised by international standards, reduce social inequalities and implement an information system on the categories of the poor;

· guarantee the active social inclusion of all by encouraging participation in the labour market, in particular by the most vulnerable groups;

· promote the role of social structures and civil society organisations in the provision of support and assistance for the integration of categories at risk of exclusion and continue the socio-occupational integration of people with a disability;

· reform the pension system and ensure the financial sustainability of pension systems; build the institutional capacity of government agencies responsible for managing pensions and health care;

· work towards extending social security coverage and continue the dialogue on improving the system of social protection for workers who lose their jobs for economic or technological reasons, especially in the context of Tunisia's introduction of a national social protection floor;

60.         Ensuring the application of the principles of equal treatment in social legislation and enshrining the principles of social security coordination between Tunisia and the EU

· ensure that provisions on equal treatment at work, remuneration and dismissal are fully implemented, both for Tunisian workers and legally employed EU nationals;

· fully implement the undertakings given under the Association Agreement concerning the coordination of social security for workers and their members of their families;

· ensure full application of the clause on non-discrimination in social security for Tunisian and EU nationals and members of their families;

Pillar 5 - Balanced and inclusive regional and local development

61.         Support for regional development efforts to reduce regional imbalances and promote local development capacity

· support the implementation of policies and programmes to reduce regional disparities (including the rehabilitation and development of social and community infrastructure), reduce unemployment, poverty and insecurity, and increase investment, particularly in disadvantaged inland areas;

· support the implementation of integrated development programmes (rural/urban) and carry out targeted measures in regions with specific problems ((high migration potential, high unemployment, border areas);

· improve regions' local self-development capacity, promote rural development and improve living conditions in rural areas, always involving civil society;

62.         Strengthening decentralised and crossborder cooperation

· strengthen territorial cooperation with the EU, particularly for diagnosis and the formulation of regional economic development strategies, territorial marketing and economic promotion;

· build the institutional capacity of regional development bodies, strengthen regional economic governance and foster modernisation and local government capacity-building programmes in order to make local authorities the engine of development at local level;

· enrich, disseminate and exploit multisectoral regional information for the purposes of local expertise and regional programming and planning (pooling the use of a regional economic information system, developing regional economic intelligence and monitoring units, and creating a national observatory on regional development and strengthening decentralised cooperation);

· foster alignment on the European model of regional development and cohesion, develop decentralised cooperation between regional and local development institutions, and promote the exchange of knowledge and skills and cooperative relations in the framework of projects mounted and conducted in partnership with European organisations.

63.         Support for the process of decentralisation and local governance

· institutional support for the introduction of a decentralisation policy and support for the overhaul of the role of government at central and regional levels in the course of decentralisation;

· support for reform of local government systems, whether legal and regulatory (laws and regulations), institutional and organisational (competences and responsibilities) or financial (local taxes);

· support for the formulation of a human-resources management strategy and programmes of capacity building and human development at local level in the form of targeted training, retraining and advanced training, and the establishment of structures to train and support elected officials;

· support for the establishment of a system of governance based on participatory democracy and promotion of projects through local authorities capable of generating the support of local people;

64.         Urban development and land–use planning

· support governance in the sphere of land–use and urban planning and management and improve coordination between the central and local levels;

· build the capacity of municipalities in urban planning and land use;

· improve monitoring of planning matters, including the creation of dedicated observatories.

Pillar 6 - Modern infrastructure to serve a competitive economy

6.1 Transport and logistical services

65.         Implementation of national policy on transport and the development of sustainable transport

· implement a sustainable national transport policy for the improvement of all modes of transport, particularly with a view to safe and efficient systems with lesser impact on the environment and climate change, and support the development of research;

· in particular, continue MedaMos and Safemed programmes as part of the Euro‑Mediterranean (Euromed) transport dialogue;

· continue the formulation of an infrastructure policy by identifying and evaluating infrastructure projects for various transport modes, taking particular account of international targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions;

· expand and modernise port and airport infrastructure and upgrade commercial seaports;

· for ports identified as ports of the motorways of the sea, ensure certain standards (of port infrastructure, port services, administrative procedures and coordination of inspections, and maritime and intermodal services);

· develop sector strategies to meet objectives arising from the development of trade with the EU and from implementation of the Union for the Mediterranean;

· promote the use of EU technical interoperability specifications by Tunisian railways;

· continue participation in the planning exercise for transport infrastructure in the Mediterranean, in particular the future Trans-Mediterranean Transport Network and improving links with the Trans-European Transport Network.

66.         Regulatory approximation and institutional capacity-building

· initiate negotiations on the Euro–Mediterranean open sky agreement;

· continue the approximation of legislative and regulatory frameworks with European and international standards for all modes of transport and the institutional capacity-building of Tunisian structures responsible for transport;

· strengthen the structures of the maritime authority and support the harmonisation of its relationship with the port authority;

·  promote exchanges of experiences and good practices concerning sustainable transport for all transport modes.

67.         Developing logistics and promoting intermodality

· continue to modernise logistics services and activities, including support for the setting–up of the logistics observatory, and to implement the logistics development strategy and set up networks of logistics platforms in order to ensure smoother EU–Tunisia trade flows;

· develop cooperation to improve the provision of training in logistics and the use of new communication technologies (e-logistics);

· step up dialogue with the EU with the aim of involving Tunisia in EU actions to improve the supply chain and its security.

6.2 Energy

68.         Gradual convergence on the goals of EU energy policy

· draft an energy policy document on the gradual convergence on EU energy goals;

· promote cooperation on scientific research and technology transfers.

69.         Reinforce, develop and optimise energy networks and infrastructure

· develop and strengthen networks, infrastructure and interconnections (gas, electricity, oil) in Tunisia (especially in inland regions), the Maghreb countries and the Euro-Mediterranean region (including pipeline and electricity interconnections with Italy).

70.         Promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency

· work to achieve the goal of getting 20 % of energy from renewable sources by 2020;

· cooperate within the framework of the Tunisian Solar Plan and other Tunisian energy management measures consistent with the Mediterranean Solar Plan;

· strengthen institutions and gradually align Tunisian legislation on EU legislation and practice;

· prepare for participation in the EU's Intelligent Energy Programme.

71.         Gradual integration of Tunisia's electricity and gas markets into the European energy market

· continue reforms of the gas and electricity sectors by convergence on the EU acquis, including the adoption of electricity and gas codes; set up a regulator and phase out price distortions;

· gradually integrate the electricity markets of Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria.

72.         Strengthening regional cooperation

· continue energy cooperation within the Union for the Mediterranean, also with a view to implementation of the Mediterranean Solar Plan; continue cooperation within the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Cairo.

6.3 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

73.         Strengthening sectoral cooperation

· continue ICT cooperation in order to create a universal and inclusive information society, including exchanges of experiences and expertise related to sector regulation with a view to approximating the regulatory framework with that of the EU (e.g. the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Regulators - EMERG);

· promote institutional cooperation between European and Tunisian regulators/agencies (the National Electronic Certification Agency (ANCE), the National Frequencies Agency, the National Telecommunications Authority, etc.), for example, by integrating ANCE in e-signature projects;

· develop cooperation on electronic certification, starting with e-signatures, and assess the possibilities for exchanging technical and/or legal expertise;

· exchange experiences in the field of security and digital trust (cybersecurity);

· exchange experiences and expertise to enhance the capacity to evaluate telecommunications markets and growth opportunities offered by e-commerce;

· develop more advanced cooperation on the information society and the digital economy on the basis of common themes, taking the action plan as a reference;

· promote the free use of the internet, including exchanges of expertise and experience on European , international and Tunisian developments concerning the principles that govern the internet;

· continue to boost the competitiveness and capacity of Tunisia's ICT sector;

· continue and maintain cooperation on research and education networks, particularly in the Mediterranean regional network (Euromedconnect), which offers access to specific electronic resources for research.

74.         Development of technology infrastructure

· develop an inclusive information society and promote cooperation, development of skills and exchanges of experiences in areas related to information technology developments in the public sector, especially the restructuring of major government applications in the context of a new economic model, based, for example, on the technology of Cloud Computing, Open Gov, Open Data and SaaS 'Software as a Service';

· facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise in the formulation and implementation of laws and standards on the development and use of information technologies;

· present and debate Tunisia's goal to establish itself as a regional telecommunications and internet hub ;

· promote the expansion of the DTT network (Digital Terrestrial Television) in the short term and evaluate the long-term prospects of terrestrial television.

Pillar 7 - Enhanced sectoral cooperation

7.1 Agriculture and fisheries

75.         Support for the modernisation of agriculture

· support the establishment of a multiannual agricultural and rural development programme (ENPARD);

· support implementation of the national agricultural development strategy in accordance with the main policy guidelines on increasing food security, sustainably managing natural resources, adding value to exports and adapting to climate change;

· continue and strengthen cooperation and the exchange of information and expertise on agricultural policy;

· support the agricultural upgrading programme concerning both agricultural holdings and agricultural institutions and support structures;

· develop and consolidate Tunisian professional agricultural organisations by making them more representative and effective in promoting and organising the agricultural and agri-industrial sectors;

· promote partnerships between Tunisian professional organisations and their European counterparts so as to enhance their leadership role in training, extension services, consultancy and marketing;

· implement the national organic farming strategy and support convergence with EU legislation and policies;

· implement the national fisheries strategy aiming at a sustainable use of fishery resources, the consolidation of port infrastructure, adding value to fishery products and improving their competitiveness, and promotion of marine and freshwater fish farming;

· develop cooperation with the EU within Mediterranean Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, ICCAT and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, GFCM) concerning the sustainable use of resources.

7.2 Industry

76.         Support for a more competitive industry, creating value and generating growth

· support the formulation and implementation of industrial strategies aimed at climbing the value chain and promoting the emergence of sectors with high-growth potential, setting-up thematic technological and industrial networks and developing innovation clusters;

· develop and improve industrial and technological infrastructure (industrial zones, technology parks, industry and technology clusters) and promote its attractiveness, especially abroad;

· step up the upgrading of business support structures and improve their regional scope;

· maximise Tunisia's participation in the implementation and monitoring of horizontal and sectoral actions and networks of Euro-Mediterranean industrial cooperation, including competitive hubs;

· encourage the listing of industrial enterprises with European and international central purchasing and contracting bodies and support the organisation of a European-Tunisian industry and technology partnership salon in Tunisia;

77.         Pursue dialogue on the future of the textile/clothing industry        

· support the transition from subcontracting to co-contracting and the development of products, and step up cooperation in the development of labelling that facilitates market access;

· develop cooperation and the transfer of know-how relating to finishing operations (reducing energy and water consumption) and promote cooperation and exchange of good practices in logistics, multimodal transport, wastewater treatment and technical textiles.

7.3 Tourism

78.         Development of cooperation with the EU to support implementation of the tourism development strategy

· help the tourism sector and tourist firms to adapt to market developments and new information technologies (electronic tourist trade, web-compatibility);

· improve the quality and diversity of all aspects of the supply and professional skills in the sector;

· promote the restructuring of investment in and financing of tourism.

79.         Promote partnerships and exchanges of best practices in investment and tourism promotion and involve the private sector

· facilitate Tunisia's participation in EU programmes concerning innovation, competitiveness, labelling and development of supply;

· encourage the organisation of forums on the opportunities for investment and partnership in tourism and of promotional activities.

7.4 Strengthening cooperation in the crafts sector

80.         Support for Tunisia in implementing the national crafts development plan that aims in particular to:

· consolidate and modernise the institutional, professional, regulatory, fiscal and financial framework for craft activities and develop a long-term communications strategy for the sector;

· develop the knowledge and technical skills of craftspersons and craft enterprises by modernising educational structures and procedures, vocational training, apprenticeships, research and innovation, and assistance for business start-ups;

· promote the upgrading of craft enterprises, improve quality, and develop marketing and investment in production infrastructure.

7.5 Strengthening cooperation on consumer protection

81.         Cooperation on consumer protection

· develop exchanges of experiences and expertise in consumer protection in order to build administrative capacity for the implementation of the consumer protection policy;

· take stock of the alignment of Tunisian legislation on EU legislation in the field of consumer protection; in particular, continue screening of Tunisian legislation on product composition, labelling, manufacture and description to bring it into line with the existing EU general rules;

· enhance the role of consumer associations in consumer protection;

· implement recommendations resulting from the twinning of Tunisian and European institutions responsible for consumer protection.

Pillar 8 - A green and sustainable economy

8.1 The environment and sustainable development

82.         Promoting sustainable development and establishing an enhanced environmental protection policy

· improve the strategic planning of environmental issues, encourage sustainability assessments and strengthen national and local structures responsible for the environment;

· strengthen biodiversity conservation programmes by improving the legal framework and implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, in accordance with the 20 objectives of the 2011-2020 Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD);

· set up a programme to clean up industrial centres and facilitate implementation of the national waste-management plan, sustainable management of forests and actions to halt coastal degradation, desertification and soil degradation;

· strengthen national policy on water-resource mobilisation through the use of unconventional resources, including treated wastewater.

83.         Improving environmental governance

· increase the involvement of the various stakeholders with an interest in environmental performance (e.g. civil society and scientists), in accordance with Rio Principle 10;

· strengthen the system of monitoring, collecting and processing environmental information and improve the administrative capacity of the structures implementing preventive measures, pollution control and monitoring of the state of the environment;

· adopt communication strategies on the environment and support education programmes on sustainable development.

84.         Supporting the transition to a green economy

· develop a legal framework for green investments and develop sectoral and regional planning geared to the transition to a green economy;

· support the creation of eco-innovation and excellence platforms and networks for sharing scientific knowledge about the green economy, and promote research and technological innovation and the diffusion of green technologies;

· support corporate social responsibility programmes for the transition to a green economy.

85.         Enhancing regional cooperation on environmental issues

· strengthen regional cooperation with neighbouring countries and between regional and local authorities, particularly in the framework of the Horizon 2020 initiative for the decontamination of the Mediterranean and with regard to water and desertification problems;

· cooperate in implementing the commitments made in the Barcelona Convention and ratifying and implementing the Protocols of that Convention;

· introduce innovative instruments for cooperation with the EU on the implementation of environmental protection conventions and protocols, particularly those concerning biodiversity, desertification and waste management;

· strengthen cooperation between Tunisia and the European Environment Agency.

8.2 Climate change

86.         Strengthen cooperation on climate change

· strengthen the Tunisian institutions responsible for climate issues and continue implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in particular implementation of the 2010 Cancun and 2011 Durban Agreements; In particular:

· cooperate in the development of low CO2 emission strategies for a development geared to a low carbon economy and resilience to climate change;

· draw up inventories of greenhouse gases and implement monitoring, reporting and verification measures (MRV).

· cooperate in the development and implementation of a post-2012 climate change regime, including nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs);

· exchange experiences and draw up and implement plans and strategies for climate-change mitigation and adaptation;

· conduct initial preparations for a greenhouse gas emission trading scheme;

· implement monitoring and early warning tools for better cooperation on climate change at Euro-Mediterranean level.

8.3 Integrated maritime policy

87.         Developing an integrated approach to activities related to or having an impact on the sea and coastal areas, both nationally and regionally, in accordance with international law

· develop an integrated maritime policy that takes account of various marine and maritime interests and is based on the relevant regional/international agreements;

· strengthen the administration's institutional structures for coordination of the sectors having an impact on the sea and the governance of various maritime activities at appropriate levels;

· promote the establishment and management of protected biological areas/reserves in conformity with the recommendations and activities currently being developed in the framework of international and regional cooperation, including the Barcelona Convention and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean; ratify and implement the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Protocol to the Barcelona Convention (ICZM).

C.          Human and scientific dimension: people-to-people links

Pillar 1 - Developing skills and access to knowledge

1.1 Education

88.         Improving the quality of education and curriculum content

· pursue improvements in the quality and performance of the education system, particularly as regards school failure, teacher training and school curriculums and textbooks;

· establish a good quality technical and technical education and guide students towards these sectors;

· improve the teaching of foreign languages and develop interactive training;

· step up and disseminate the use of information technology (ICT) in education.

1.2 Vocational training

89.         modernise the national system of vocational training and develop vocational training offering good job prospects;

· build the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment (MFPE) to steer strategy and engage in results-based management;

· draw up and implement a strategy to reform vocational training in line with the plans to reform higher education to make it more relevant to labour market needs;

· continue implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF);

· continue implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise as regards the promotion of in-company training, development of an entrepreneurial mindset among students on vocational courses and greater internationalisation in training; jointly assess progress on the basis of the pertinent regional indicators.

1.3 Higher education

90.         Support reform of Tunisia's higher education system and its convergence on Bologna Process principles

· step up dialogue to support reform of Tunisia's higher education system and its convergence with Bologna Process principles;

· complete the BMD reform (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate), consolidate doctoral studies, establish a national system of evaluation, quality assurance and accreditation and the National Qualification Framework (NQF);

· strengthen co-degree programmes and co-supervision of theses between Tunisia and EU countries and promote the mobility of students, teachers and researchers;

· introduce tools to facilitate transparency, comparability and recognition of studies, such as the system of accumulation and transfer of credits (ECTS);

· improve the teaching of foreign languages.

91.         Improving the quality and governance of Tunisia's higher education system and enhancing the employability of graduates

· improve the governance and autonomy of higher education institutions and of the certification process, through, inter alia, exchanges of experiences and good practices;

· enhance the employability of the graduates by improving the information and guidance system in collaboration with schools, higher education institutions and employers;

· improve the information and guidance system in collaboration with schools, higher education institutions and employers;

· develop vocationally-oriented training in higher education.

92.         Increase Tunisia's involvement in European external cooperation programmes

· promote Tunisia's involvement in programmes to support higher education reform and existing and future European mobility programmes and partnerships in higher education;

· continue information campaigns on these programmes aimed at potential applicants, students and academics.

1.4 Scientific and technical research and innovation

93.         Enhancing the role of the national research and innovation system in building the knowledge economy

· improve governance of the national research and innovation system and coordination between the actors of this system;

· increase synergies between the system of innovation and research and the productive sectors by setting up structures to enhance value and act as interfaces, developing thematic sectoral innovation networks bringing together research and interface structures and businesses, and promoting projects between these networks and their European counterparts;

· expand the Tunisian network of analysis and testing laboratories;

· support the development of infrastructure for research, technology and innovation;

· continue implementation of innovation-related aspects of the Euro‑Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise and consolidate progress on the basis of indicators established at regional level;

· promote cooperation and mutual exchanges of information on patents and technology transfers;

· EU support for the development of funding instruments for innovation;

· strengthen the bilateral and regional policy dialogue on research and innovation, notably by harmonising national/regional innovation systems on both sides of the Mediterranean and increasing the synergies between research and the productive world and the innovatory capacity of companies across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

94.         Tunisia's involvement in the European Research Area

· build up the knowledge and capacity of Tunisian research and innovation institutions so that they can participate more fully in the European Research Area (FP7, CIP, Horizon 2020, COST and agencies);

· identify topics of common interest in research and innovation, further strengthen exchanges of researchers in research and innovation projects and strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation;

· promote reciprocal exchanges of information on innovation strategies and technological development (in particular within the EU 2020 Strategy);

· consolidate the network of national and thematic contact points for the framework research programme;

· facilitate the mobility and circulation of researchers and staff involved in joint Tunisian-European science and technology actions.

Pillar 2 - Development of cooperation on health

95.         Improving health standards, research and health monitoring in Tunisia

· promote reform of the health sector with a view to improved performance and smaller regional disparities and the establishment of a quality mechanism in the Tunisian health system;

· support the computerisation of hospitals' medical information systems and the generalisation of the medico-economic system of evaluation of hospital stays;

· promote reform of the health financing system: financing structure, care packages and level of solidarity;

· promote approaches aimed at fairer access to good quality healthcare, implementation of a management plan, renovation and reorganisation of hospitals (healthcare map, medical programming studies, architectural and environmental quality and financing of investment plans);

· improve the national organ transplant strategy by establishing a national register of terminal organ failures;

· step up cooperation with international and European organisations, for example on research and development in health.

96.         Prevent and control communicable and non-communicable diseases

· implement international health instruments, e.g. the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control and the WHO International Health Regulations;

· promote cooperation on health indicators through international networks for the exchange of information on the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases;

· formulate and implement a national strategy for the prevention and treatment of addictive behaviour and support efforts to promote good health and healthy behaviour at all ages so as to prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases;

· bolster capacity to detect and respond to health threats, including training, in particular by setting up a computerised system for epidemiological surveillance and developing health-risk management strategies and programmes.

 

Pillar 3 - People-to-people links in the areas of culture, youth and media

3.1 Cultural cooperation

97.         Strengthening regional cooperation

· strengthen Tunisia's cultural policy and the capacity of its cultural operators, in particular by integrating Tunisia in European programmes and projects, providing support for projects to restructure and institutionalise the cultural sector and promoting exchanges of good practices and the drafting of studies and joint projects on the local governance of culture;

· promote cultural exchanges thanks to Tunisia's greater participation in cultural cooperation programmes of the Mediterranean region;

· help Tunisian cultural products gain access to the European market by promoting the mobility of Tunisian artists, professionals and practitioners, setting up networks and dedicated twinning schemes to promote cultural industries;

· through the above actions, promote implementation of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, to which Tunisia is a party.

3.2 Youth

98.         Strengthening cooperation on youth

· step up cooperation on the non-formal education of young people and youth workers in order to promote exchanges of information and good practices in areas of common interest, intercultural dialogue and the development of civil society;

· strengthen cooperation on youth and help consolidate associative and civic life, particularly as regards environmental protection, voluntary work, campaigning against smoking and drugs, and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases: AIDS/HIV.

3.3 Cooperation in the audiovisual and media field

99.         Strengthen cooperation on the media

· promote and continue dialogue and cooperation in the audiovisual and media field. A special effort will be made to ensure a transparent, effective and predictable regulatory system with an independent regulatory authority in the audiovisual and media field.

D.          Support for implementation of the Action Plan

Pillar 1 - Technical and financial support

1.           The financing of the partnership between Tunisia and the EU will be tailored to the development and implementation of reforms, particularly in the priority areas identified during the implementation of the Action Plan and subsequent revisions of the Plan, in accordance with the 2011[5] and 2012[6] EU communications on the neighbourhood policy.

During the implementation period of the Action Plan Tunisia will have to face several challenges: on the one hand, establishing a sustainable democracy, reviving economic growth and promoting social cohesion, and on the other, concluding the DCFTA.

The implementation of this agreement will require major efforts aimed at approximation with the EU acquis, institutional modernisation and the upgrading of infrastructure.

The EU's financial support, which increased following the revolution, should continue to rise in order to support a genuine policy of convergence with the EU and back Tunisia in its reform efforts.

The intervention areas of the EU's future financial and technical support will be determined on the basis of the priorities identified in the Action Plan and will reflect Tunisia's political and socio-economic reform ambitions, as specified in this Action Plan; these areas will be decided by both parties in the course of the programming exercise, outside the negotiations on the Action Plan.

Throughout this process Tunisia will be eligible for all the funding instruments available for the EU's external action and the new European Neighbourhood Policy, and will benefit from the expertise of the EU institutions and Member States in carrying it out.

2.           The two parties have agreed to examine ways to move towards a new phase in access to adequate EU funds to support Tunisia, in line with the EU's regional and cohesion policy and the adoption of new implementing procedures.

Tunisia, in the throes of historic changes and in response to the legitimate aspirations of its people and its youth for progress and prosperity, must face up to two absolute priorities, namely the creation of jobs for a young, ever more educated population and a more equitable regional development.

3.           Financial cooperation with the EIB and the EBRD will also increase in order to support investment in infrastructure, the financial sector and development of the private sector and partnerships, and support innovative sectors that create jobs for young graduates.

There will also be cooperation with these two institutions under the new ENP guidelines to improve SMEs' access to finance and develop guarantee mechanisms.

In view of the discussions on extending the remit of the European Investment Fund (EIF) to the Mediterranean, as proposed in the new ENP, cooperation with the European Investment Fund will start as provided for the new ENP guidelines on the promotion of SMEs' access to finance and development of guarantee mechanisms.

4.           In addition to financial support, the two parties will pursue efforts to:

· optimise the implementation of existing financial instruments through better targeting of cooperation programmes and better collaboration between Tunisia and the EU to boost Tunisia's absorption capacity;

· take advantage of all the relevant and necessary new instruments and thematic programmes put in place by the EU as part of its external action, taking into account Tunisia's needs, progress in reform and absorption capacity.

Pillar 2 - Participation in European Union agencies and programmes

Participation in European Union agencies and programmes

· encourage Tunisia to become involved in EU agencies and programmes open to non-member countries;

· conclude a framework agreement to encourage Tunisia to become involved in EU agencies and programmes open to third countries.

E.           Adoption and duration

The Plan will be submitted to the EU-Tunisia Association Council for formal adoption. Its duration will be five years.

The European Union and Tunisia are fully entitled to conduct their own unilateral reviews of progress in implementing the Plan.

EU-Tunisia relations: a privileged partnership 2013-2017 Action Plan

Annex 1: Table of priorities

Objectives || Actions Tunisia || Possible EU support[7] || Indicators and timetable

1. Establishing a democratic electoral system, in particular consolidation of the independence and functioning of the independent electoral commission (ISIE) responsible for the management and organisation of elections || - Adopt appropriate constitutional or legislative provisions and the relevant transitional measures. - Provide the ISIE with the means necessary to function independently. - Ensure that civil society participates in the drafting of the electoral law and the holding and monitoring of elections. - Promote partnership with civil society through a participatory approach. || - Direct support for the ISIE. - Provision of expertise on all matters relating to the electoral process, including security. - Deployment of an EU Election Observation Mission. - Support to civil society organisations. || - Organic Law No 23/2012 of 20 December 2012 on the ISIE. - Effective functioning of the ISIE. - Organisation of general elections on the basis of the acquis of the October 2011 democratic elections. - Dialogue on the electoral process, including dialogue on the follow-up to the recommendations of the 2011 EOM by the relevant authorities on the basis of their prerogatives and specific competences. - Publication of all the election results and procedure for handling errors in place. Timing: short term

2. Ensuring the independence of the judiciary, increasing its professionalism and efficiency (access to justice, duration of trials), and upholding human rights, the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial || - Strengthen the rule of law and aid for the democratic transition by supporting the reform of the justice and prison systems in accordance with international laws and standards.  - Adopt a legislative framework compatible with international standards. - Put in place an appropriate operational institutional framework, human resources and logistical resources. - Modernise the prison system. - Promote partnership with civil society and a participatory approach to these reforms. - Promote the transparency of and access to information. - Adopt and implement the draft law on transitional justice submitted to the NCA in November 2012. - Set up the national authority for transitional justice provided for by law (Truth and Dignity Commission). || - Technical assistance. - Capacity-building. - Support for the modernisation of court infrastructure. - Support to civil society organisations. - Provision of expertise. - Training. - Technical support to the national transitional justice authority. || - Adoption and implementation of laws on the independence of and access to justice adopted by the NCA and the future parliament. - Adoption of the law on the status of judges and adoption of the Organic Law on the Governing Council of the Judiciary. - The Governing Council of the Judiciary is operational. - Civil society is invited to attend meetings of the steering committee of the support programme for justice reforms (concluded by the EU and Tunisia in 2012). - Gradual rehabilitation of the courts, depending on the means and budgets allocated, in accordance with international standards. - Harmonisation of the legislative, regulatory and institutional framework in line with international standards. - Implementation of the provision authorising and strengthening NGOs' access to prisons. - Setting-up of a mechanism to monitor the number of pre-trial detentions and incarceration rates. Timing: medium term

3. Reforming the security sector as part of a root-and-branch reform to ensure compliance with international standards on the rule of law, human rights and international law. || - Adopt appropriate legislative and regulatory reforms, including democratic oversight and accountability mechanisms. - Ensure the participation of civil society in the preparation and monitoring of reforms (participatory approach). Evaluation of results. - Provide the necessary training (including respect for human rights) to the staff concerned. - Equip the security forces with the resources and equipment necessary and appropriate to their needs, in a spirit of the minimum use of force. Assess the effects of this action. [- Make available to the public the organisation charts and codes of conduct of internal security forces.] || - Financial support for the security-sector reform programme. - Provision of expertise and training. - Support to civil society organisations. || - Adoption by the CNA and the future parliament and effective implementation of legislation incorporating international standards of governance, respect and promotion of international law and human rights, in accordance with the principles of the rule of law. Timing: medium term - Adoption by the CNA and the future parliament of a mechanism for democratic control over the security forces. - Setting up of parliamentary committees to monitor national security budgets. Timing: medium term - Validation and start to implementation of peer-review recommendations on borders and migration/reform of the security sector. Timing: short and medium term

4. Strengthening the protection of human rights, including the rights of women and children || - Ensure gradual and effective implementation of international conventions. - Adopt appropriate legislative and regulatory reforms. - Ensure civil society participation in the formulation and monitoring of reforms. - Provide the necessary training for the staff concerned. - Confirm the standing invitation to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN's special mechanisms on human rights. - Set up an independent mechanism for monitoring the rights of the child. - Draft a framework law on violence against women in line with international standards. - Maintain the de facto moratorium on executions. - Remain involved in the cross-regional initiative on the death penalty, supported by the EU within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly. - Adopt organic law on a national body on prevention of torture. - Set up national body on prevention of torture. - Revise the law on the human rights authority in accordance with the Paris Principles (1993). || - Political dialogue and consultations in UN forums. - Provision of expertise. - Training. - Support to civil society organisations. - Institutional and technical support. || - Adoption and gradual implementation of laws and regulations implementing international conventions ratified by Tunisia. Timing: long term - Lodging of instruments of ratification lifting reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Timing: medium term - Revision of the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, in particular as regards freedom of expression and the rights of women and children, in accordance with international standards. Timing: medium term - Adoption and implementation of laws setting up an independent mechanism for monitoring the rights of the child. Timing: short term - Progress toward ratification of the third Optional Protocol to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. Timing: medium term - Adoption and implementation of framework law on violence against women in line with international standards. Timing: medium term - Continue national dialogue on the abolition of the death penalty. Timing: medium term - Adoption and implementation of the draft law submitted to the NCA in November 2012. Timing: short term - Revision of the law on the human rights authority and its effective implementation in accordance with the Paris Principles (1993). - Adoption and implementation of the articles of association of the human rights authority. Timing: short and medium term - Organisation of training in human rights for staff concerned. Timing: implementation throughout the duration of the Action Plan

5. Reforming the media and professionalisation of the sector || - Adopt appropriate constitutional, legislative and regulatory reforms. - Provide the necessary training for the institutions concerned. - Ensure the participation of civil society in the formulation and monitoring of reforms, including trade unions and organisations working in the field of press freedom and freedom of expression. || - Provision of expertise. - Training. - Support to civil society organisations. || - Effective functioning of the audiovisual communications authority. Timing: short term - Continuation of dialogue on mechanisms to protect journalists doing their job. Timing: short term

6. Enhancing the role and capacity of civil society. || - Ensure a transparent and open framework for the organisation and work of civil society actors. || - Provision of expertise. - Training. - Support to civil society organisations. || - Adoption of laws guaranteeing freedom of association as provided for in Decree-Law No 2011-88 of 24 September 2011. Adoption of transparent rules for public funding of associations. Timing: short term - Holding of regular thematic and regional consultations with members of civil society, especially concerning the dialogue with the EU. Timing: implementation throughout the duration of the Action Plan

7. Dialogue on migration, mobility and security and conclusion of a Mobility Partnership || - Pursue dialogue on migration, mobility and security. - Draft and implement a national strategy on migration and Tunisians abroad. - Implement the measures provided for in the Mobility Partnership (capacity building, knowledge management, data collection, etc.). - Ensure civil society participation in the formulation and monitoring of reforms. - Cooperate with the UNHCR in implementing the Regional Protection Programme, enact legislation and create administrative capacity for asylum. - Cooperate with the EU in the fight against organised crime, including the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings. - Conduct actions to promote the links between migration and development. - Develop research on migration, including migration profiles. - Promote the welfare of Tunisian workers and members of their families and implement the decision of the Association Council on the coordination of social security between Tunisia and the EU under Articles 65-68 of the EU-Tunisia Euro‑Mediterranean Association Agreement in order to improve the portability of pension rights acquired by Tunisian workers and members of their families in the EU in accordance with Articles 8 of the Mobility Partnership between Tunisia, European Union and its participating Member States. - Create a national migration observatory and endow it with capacity to carry out studies, migration profiles, policies and develop expertise in the field of migration. - Start up initiatives and programmes to enable the observatory to involve Tunisian citizens abroad more fully in the country's development. || - Support for the implementation of the measures provided for in the Mobility Partnership. - Technical support and training for implementation of the strategy. - Institutional and technical support. - Capacity-building and provision of expertise. - Exchanges of experience and information with EU institutions and agencies and the EU Member States. - Training. - Support to civil society organisations. - Support for training and technical assistance. - Training. - Support to civil society organisations. - Twinning and exchanges between institutions. - Capacity-building by training Tunisian administrators about Community rules on the coordination of social security schemes, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) and the European electronic exchange of social security information (EESSI). - Meeting(s) of the Migration and Social Affairs Subcommittee to start talks on a draft decision to implement the provisions of the Association Agreement on coordination of security systems. - Technical assistance. - Twinning. || - Implementation of the strategy. - Implementation of the objectives of the strategy in accordance with international standards. Timing: medium term - Holding of regular consultations with members of civil society, especially in the course of negotiations on the Mobility Partnership. Timing: short term -The annex to the Mobility Partnership will set out the support measures of the EU and Member States party to the Partnership. Timing: implementation throughout the duration of the Action Plan - Setting-up of an interministerial committee to monitor the security and humanitarian situation following closure of the Choucha camp. Timing: short term - The UNHCR's Permanent Representative in Tunisia takes part in the work of this committee. - Implementation of the measures provided for in the Mobility Partnership. Timing: implementation throughout the duration of the Action Plan - Proposal for the adoption of a draft decision submitted to the Association Council. Timing: medium term - Presentation, adoption and implementation of the decree. Timing: medium term

8. Economic reform for inclusive growth, competitiveness and a better business and investment climate || - Reform public governance, strengthen the modernisation of the administration and transparency in public-finance management. - Make the economy more resilient by consolidating macroeconomic fundamentals. - Start canvassing reform of the food and energy subsidy system. - Implement reform of the tax system (legislative and institutional framework). - Strengthen internal and external controls, verification and auditing in the public sector. - Make the economy more competitive by continuing reform, recovery and upgrade programmes [and the creation of an attractive framework] (industry, agriculture, services, crafts and tourism). - Boost green growth as part of strategies to promote a green economy. || - Continuation of support programmes for economic recovery and objective-based budget management. - Provision of expertise, training, institutional support and twinning. - Dialogue on recovery strategies. - Support for upgrading programmes in industry, agriculture, crafts and tourism. - Support for civil society. || - Adoption and implementation of the Organic Law establishing the National Agency on Probity and the Fight against Corruption; Timing: long term - Continued implementation of objective-based budget management. Timing: medium term - Establishment of active management of the state's cash flow. Timing: medium term - - A study on the reform of the food and energy subsidy system is under way. Timing: short and medium term - Programme of tax reform adopted. Timing: medium term - Plan to introduce electronic procedures for public procurement is implemented. Timing: medium term - - A new generation of major government applications is initiated (e-gov, open data, etc.). Timing: long term - Design and implementation of a new action plan to enshrine access to information in accordance with the new organic law. Timing: short term - Formulation of a strategic framework for consulting citizens. Timing: medium term - Strategy to restructure and strengthen internal and external controls, verification and auditing in the public sector. Timing: long term - Programme to upgrade the tourism sector initiated and continuation of programmes to upgrade and modernise other sectors (agriculture, industry, services and crafts). Timing: medium term

|| - Review the legal and regulatory framework and strengthen policies and instruments that favour investment and create an environment conducive to business and partnerships, including stronger protection of foreign investments. - Raise awareness among economic actors, in particular Tunisian SMEs, and provide them with the necessary support for application of the European directives and standards adopted by Tunisia. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Support for policies and financing programmes that support innovation and the private sector. - Support for attracting EU investment. - Institutional support and twinning. - Support for the Joint Council of Entrepreneurs. - Support for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), inter alia through cooperation between Tunisian and European SMEs in the Enterprise Europe Network. || - Legal and institutional framework for public-private partnerships is finalised. Timing: short term - - Revised investment code.  Timing: short term - - National investment body set up. Timing: medium term - Joint Council of Entrepreneurs up and running. Timing: short term - Local and foreign investment trends in Tunisia. Timing: long term - Inclusion of requests for partnerships with European SMEs in the database of the Enterprise Europe Network. Timing: medium term - Increasing number of SMEs participating in meetings of the Enterprise Europe Network. Timing: medium term

|| - Improve the governance of the National Statistics System and of the quality and accessibility of statistical products. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Support for modernisation projects of the National Statistics System. - Institutional support and twinning. || - Action plan for the modernisation of the National Statistics System adopted. Timing: medium term - Number of statistical series available on the NSI's website. - Number of official statistical series of publications and methodologies in accordance with international rules and standards available on the NSI's website. Timing: short term - Number of requests on NSI's site following its overhaul. Timing: short term - Existence of good quality reports in each statistical area. Timing: short term - Existence of a timetable for publication of data. Timing: short term

|| - Implement a policy to develop transport services and infrastructure and a national sustainable transport strategy. - Support implementation of the national logistics development strategy. - Promote the development of telecommunications networks and infrastructure. - Develop and strengthen energy networks, infrastructure and interconnections. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Support for attracting EU investment. - Institutional support and twinning. || - Transport policy adopted. Timing: long term - A start to negotiations on an Open Sky agreement. Timing: short term - Implementation of the national logistics development strategy. Timing: short and medium term - Revised telecommunications code to ensure sustainable availability of and access to ICT networks/services in all regions. Timing: medium term - Energy policy document setting out objectives and strategies is drafted. Timing: long term

|| - Formulate and implement sectoral strategies for developing sectors with high growth potential. - Formulate and implement a National Strategic Digital Plan for Tunisia. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Institutional dialogue. - Institutional support and twinning. || - New industrial strategy promoting specific high-growth sectors. Timing: medium and long term - Sectoral partnership framework setting common objectives (for textiles/clothing and vehicle parts). Timing: medium term - Growth rate of investment in industrial and technological infrastructure. Timing: medium term - Tunisia's Digital National Strategic Plan and Action Plan (2013-2018) set up. Timing: medium term

9. Deepening integration, conclusion of a DCFTA and approximation with the EU acquis. || - Finalise the preparatory stage for negotiation of a DCFTA. - Start negotiations on a DCFTA. - Improve the conditions of market access for goods and services and service providers. - Approximate horizontal legislation on accreditation, conformity assessment and market surveillance and sectoral legislation. - Continue and speed up the upgrading of institutions in charge of accreditation, standardisation, conformity assessment, metrology and market surveillance. - Negotiate with the EU an Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA) covering construction materials and electrical products, and then add other priority areas to the agreement. - Continue approximation of Tunisian legislation with EU legislation in areas identified as priorities in the DCFTA. - Continue the implementation of customs measures promoting trade facilitation. - Improve the level of consumer protection by: - building administrative capacity for the implementation of the consumer protection policy; - enhancing the role of consumer associations in consumer protection. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Institutional dialogue. - Financial support through the ongoing support programme for improved competitiveness and market access with the aim of upgrading quality, accreditation, conformity assessment and market surveillance structures. - Strengthening monitoring infrastructure. - Twinning. - Support to civil society. - Technical assistance and support through the ongoing support programme for the Association Agreement and the transition and a subsequent programme to support the negotiation and implementation of the Action Plan. || - Start to DCFTA negotiations on the basis of the recommendations of the exploratory phase. - Consultation of civil society during these negotiations. - ACAA for priority sectors signed. Timing: medium term - Number of twinning projects concluded under the DCFTA. - Number of twinning projects and institutional support measures carried out as part of a programme to support the negotiation and implementation of the Action Plan. Timing: short and medium term

10. Developing skills and access to knowledge and innovation. || - Reform, improve quality and strengthen governance of national education systems, higher education and vocational training. || - Provision of expertise and exchanges of information. - Budgetary support through the ongoing PEFESE programme (Support Programme for Education/Training – Higher Education and Graduate Employability). - Institutional support through ongoing TEMPUS and twinning projects. - Methodology support from the European Training Foundation. - Financial support through the future Erasmus + programme for higher education and youth. || - Adoption and implementation of governance strategies for the education, higher education and vocational training sectors based on employability. Timing: medium and long term - Adoption of a national framework for qualifications and validation of achievements and experience, implemented on the basis of the statistical indicators below. Timing: medium term - Number of co-degree programmes and co-supervision of theses between Tunisia and EU countries. Timing: medium term Subject to availability of these statistics. - Number of technical sections/fields created in the school system (long term). - Percentage of schools connected to Internet. - Percentage of young university graduates who find employment within a year of graduation. - Percentage of students leaving secondary school who have received vocational guidance. Timing: medium term

|| - Enhance the role of the national research and innovation system. - Increase Tunisia's involvement and integration in the European Research Area. - Continue implementation of PASRI (project to support the system of research and innovation) and consolidate at regional level. || || - Number of research and innovation institutions involved in the European Research Area and number of joint projects. Timing: medium term - Greater number of students and researchers participating in specific European research programmes. Timing: medium term

11. Employment, social cohesion and integration, and regional and local development || - Develop and implement an integrated national strategy for employment and improved employability. - Energise social and economic transformation through the conclusion of a new social contract and an effective social dialogue between the social partners. - Promote social inclusion policy and implement measures to reduce poverty and integrate vulnerable groups. - Develop more transparent and more modern labour legislation to make the labour market more flexible while protecting the rights of workers. - Creation of a social protection floor. - Implement the provisions on the coordination of social security systems in Article 65 et seq. of the Agreement, in accordance with Article 8 of the Mobility Partnership. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Exchanges of information and institutional dialogue. - Institutional support and technical assistance. - Support to civil society. - Institutional support and twinning, in particular capacity-building for social security funds. - Technical assistance for social protection (pensions reform, evaluation of the new health insurance scheme, etc.). - Training, exchanges of experience and expertise, awareness campaigns. - Thematic programme and cooperation with the EU's specialised institutions. || - Integrated national strategy for employment is implemented. Timing: medium term - A new social contract is concluded and technical subcommittees are set up. Timing: short term - A National Council of Social Dialogue is set up. Timing: short term - Functional networking of public information operators on jobs, vocational guidance and integration into the world of work. Timing: medium term - System for regularly evaluating active labour-market policies. Timing: medium term - Adoption of Tunisia's decent work programme. Timing: medium term - Setting-up of an information system on needy, low-income families. Timing: medium term - Poverty-reduction and social inclusion programmes drawn up and start made to implementation; Timing: medium term - Meeting of the Migration and Social Affairs Subcommittee to start talks on a draft decision to implement the provisions of the Association Agreement on coordination of social security systems. Timing: short term - Proposal for the adoption of a draft decision submitted to the Association Council. Timing: medium term

|| - Initiate a comprehensive process of decentralisation and local governance, and renewal of the role of state services. - Step up regional and local development efforts and reduce regional disparities. - Improve governance of institutions responsible for regional development. - Make regional and local development policies more efficient. || - Institutional dialogue and exchanges to support Tunisia in a logic of regional development and EU cohesion. - Provision of expertise and training. - Budget support being provided for local authority capacity-building. - Support for civil society. - Support for regional development policies and programmes. - Institutional support and twinning. - Crossborder and decentralised cooperation. - Continued support for local authority capacity-building and training of local representatives. - Contribution to the development of bodies responsible for regional development. || - Road map for decentralisation and local governance adopted. Timing: medium term - Reform under way of local government systems, whether legal and regulatory (laws and regulations), institutional and organisational (competences and responsibilities) or financial (local taxes). Timing: long term - Strategy adopted for local human-resource management. Timing: long term - Support for government services at central and regional levels during implementation of decentralisation;  Timing: long term - Number of projects developed in partnership between Tunisian and European local authorities. Timing: short and medium term

|| - Implementation of a reform of the health sector aimed at boosting performance and promoting better access to good quality care. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Contribution to upgrade health infrastructure. - Institutional support and twinning. || - Healthcare reform strategy drafted. Timing: short term - Implementation of healthcare reform. Timing: medium and long term

12. Agricultural and rural development || - Implement a multiannual agricultural and rural development programme, in line with the strategic guidelines of the national agriculture policy and ENPARD. - Strengthen the programme to upgrade agricultural holdings, sectors and agricultural institutions and technical support structures. - Support promotion of quality in agriculture (organic and geographical indications) and in the fisheries and fish-farming sectors. || - Provision of expertise and training. - Support through future ENPARD pilot project in particular. - Support for agricultural upgrade programme; - Institutional support and twinning. - Support for organisation of seminars on PGIs/PDOs and organic products. || - Multiannual agricultural and rural development programme set up and operational. Timing: implementation throughout the duration of the Action Plan - Agricultural upgrading programme relaunched (number of holdings and institutions involved). Timing: long term - Main agricultural sectors (arable crops, fruit and vegetables, meat, milk) recovering. Timing: short and medium term - 20 % of the population covered by the cooperative sector. Timing: long term - Strategies to develop fisheries, fish-farming and organic farming are implemented. Timing: medium term

13. Developing and implementing strategies and programmes for sustainable development || - Improve environmental governance and promote a local approach (decentralisation, local governance) in particular through the strengthening of national policy and administration regarding access to information and public participation. - Establish a strategic planning framework relating in particular to sustainable development (green economy, climate change policy, social responsibility of organisations, innovation and environmental technologies). || - Provision of expertise and training. - Strengthen institutional cooperation and twinning. - Support to civil society. - Institutional and political dialogue. || -  Regional and local structures and environmental actions strengthened. Timing: medium term - Information system on the environment and sustainable development set up with the participation of civil society. Timing: medium term - National Strategy for Sustainable Development and strategic vision for the green economy formulated and validated by the various stakeholders. Timing: medium term

|| - Set up a national programme for pollution prevention, pollution control, environmental upgrading and waste management. || || - National programme for the decontamination of industrial clusters devised and a start made to implementation. Timing: medium term - Strategic review of waste sector carried out. Timing: short term

|| - Implement the relevant international and regional agreements and conventions on environmental protection and climate, the fight against desertification and the preservation of biodiversity. - Develop disadvantaged areas and promote the living conditions of people living in and around national parks in the south and oases by promoting local environmental actions that create jobs and added value, including ecotourism. - Implement strategies and programmes to mitigate and adapt to climate change. || || - Strategy to promote biodiversity and improve living conditions of people living in and around national parks in the south and oases is drawn up. Timing: medium term - National strategy on climate change developed and validated. Timing: short term - Up-to-date greenhouse gas inventory drawn up. Timing: short term - Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system in energy, industry, agriculture and waste‑management sectors. Timing: medium term

[1]        Communication on 'A new response to a changing Neighbourhood', COM(2011) 303 final, 25.5.2011.

[2]        Tunisia and the EU signed their first cooperation agreement in 1969, followed by the conclusion of an Association Agreement in 1995. It was in this framework, and in the wider context of the European Neighbourhood Policy, that the first action plan was adopted in 2005.

[3]               A Budget for Europe 2020, COM(2011) 500 final, 29.6.2011.

[4]               Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

[5]               A new response to a changing Neighbourhood, COM(2011) 303 final, 25 May 2011.

[6]               European Neighbourhood Policy: Working towards a Stronger Partnership, JOIN(2013) 4 final of 20 March 2013.

[7]      EU support is provisional at this stage. Financial cooperation priorities are agreed during the joint programming exercises and entered in the Single Support Framework. EU support may be delivered through the variety of financial support methods and instruments available (budget support, twinning, technical assistance, including assistance for civil society and physical capacity-building); the choice will be made following identification and formulation missions in the various areas where the EU plans to provide support.