EU Democratisation of Tunisia Since the “Jasmin Revolution”: Between Continuity and Changes

Abstract

This article attempts to further the understanding of the EU’s democratisation of Tunisia and to assess its effectiveness. Tunisia, uniquely, became the only viable democracy in the Arab world. Following the Jasmin revolution, the EU support in conjunction with the Tunisian willingness for reforms has created an environment where democracy could flourish. This article argues that the EU did not apply a democracy promotion but rather democracy support following the regime collapse in 2011.The EU’s (socialisation through civil society and more-for-more) were important mechanisms in supporting the Tunisian young democracy through the transition and consolidation phases. The EU approach, nevertheless, tends to be fluctuating between continuity and changes. Although security remained an important factor in the EU’s democracy support to Tunisia, the positive engagement with Islamic party Enahdha indicates a substantial shift in the security- democratisation relationship. However, in terms of continuity, the EU emphasis on further economic liberalisation may have a negative impact on this young democracy.