EU support for refugees and for the democratic transition process in Tunisia

24.6.2011

Question for oral answer O-000167/2011
to the Commission
Rule 115
Nathalie Griesbeck, Cecilia Wikström, Marielle De Sarnez, Ivo Vajgl, Baroness Sarah Ludford, Jelko Kacin, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Kristiina Ojuland, Louis Michel, Sophia in 't Veld, Sir Graham Watson
on behalf of the ALDE Group

The EU announced its commitment to supporting the democratic process in Tunisia as from 14 January 2011. It has delivered humanitarian aid for the reception of hundreds of thousands of refugees who have arrived in Tunisia since the uprising and the fighting in Libya, and has helped to set up refugee camps and repatriate third-country nationals to their countries of origin.

On 15 June 2011, at a meeting of Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, the European External Action Service (EEAS) representative reported that 6 000 persons remained in the camps and that pledges to resettle 780 refugees had been made.

Can the Commission indicate which Member States have pledged to take in refugees? Can the Commission inform Parliament about the state of play on the discussions with the Council and the Member States on the reception of refugees whose cases have been accepted?

The EU also announced that, in addition to humanitarian aid, financial support would be made available to address the economic crisis resulting from the fall in revenue from tourism and the decline in trade with Libya. The EEAS has confirmed to the Subcommittee on Human Rights that the financial instruments have been identified. However, the funds have not yet been released. Can the Commission inform Parliament about the date for release of the funds?

Tabled: 24.6.2011

Forwarded: 28.6.2011

Deadline for reply: 5.7.2011