The EU is on the way

The European Union considers legitimate the aspirations of the Egyptian and Tunisian populations, while it “dumps” Mubarak and calls for urgent democratic reforms along with free elections in the two countries. Hesitancies were evident in the EU seat, and some Member State leaders conveyed “undertow” views, but finally the EU27 heads of State or Government at their Council meeting of February 4 in Brussels gave a unanimous vote. No explicit endorsement to the opposition’s political groups or parties was conveyed, neither in the case of Tunis nor Cairo, however, on the sidelines, a majority of Community Europe confides in the stability of the Mediterranean area and hopes that lay and moderate personalities will obtain electoral support so as to lead the two North-African States towards full democracy. “The European Council is following with utmost concern the deteriorating situation in Egypt” state the summit conclusions. Indeed, it condemned “in the strongest terms the violence and all those who use and encourage violence. It emphasized “the right of all citizens to demonstrate freely and peacefully, under due protection from law enforcement authorities”. EU27 considers “unacceptable” any attempt to restrict the free flow of information, declaring that it stands on the side of journalists and human rights defenders. Following an internal debate, the European Council thus put into writing the decisive phrases of the final document, stating: “All parties should show restraint”, “and begin an orderly transition to a broad-based government”; “this transition process must start now”. That “now” – previously invoked by the US President Barack Obama – is clarified further on: “The European Council emphasized that the citizens’ democratic aspirations should be addressed through dialogue and political reform with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and through free and fair elections. It called on all parties to engage in a meaningful dialogue to that end”. Not only wishes and good words: the EU, in order “to lend its full support to the transition processes towards democratic governance, pluralism, improved opportunities for economic prosperity and social inclusion, and strengthened regional stability”, pledges its commitment in a new partnership “involving more effective support in the future to those countries which are pursuing political and economic reforms through the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Union for the Mediterranean”. In concrete terms, this requires “the development of a package of measures aimed at lending European Union support to the transition and transformation processes” (thus in the short and medium period), “strengthening democratic institutions, promoting democratic governance and social justice, and assisting the preparation and conduct of free and fair elections”. Of the package of measures is responsible the High Representative for EU Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton, who will be leaving for an upcoming trip to Tunisia and Egypt. European solidarity and support are finally on their way.