High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell spoke by telephone on Friday 15 October with the President of Tunisia Kaïs Saïed.

They discussed the latest developments in Tunisia, including the appointment of Najla Bouden Romdhane as Prime Minister and the formation of her government. The High Representative stressed that the new government would have to respond to the country’s pressing economic and health challenges, and expressed the hope that the appointments would be an important first step towards preserving the democratic acquis made.

In this context, emphasising the European Union’s respect for Tunisia’s sovereignty, High Representative Borrell underlined the importance of establishing a clearly-defined timeline for Tunisia's return to a constitutional order based on the separation of powers, respect for the rule of law and parliamentary democracy and protection of fundamental freedoms, which should follow a transparent and inclusive dialogue and take account of the wishes and aspirations of the Tunisian people.

The High Representative reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership with Tunisia and the European Union’s commitment to supporting the Tunisian people in the present difficult economic and sanitary situation. The European Union would determine how best to foster democracy, stability and prosperity in Tunisia on the basis of the concrete actions and measures taken by the Tunisian authorities. The European Union would continue to follow the situation in the country with the utmost interest, he concluded.