Dilyana Slavova, president of the EESC's External Relations Section, took part in an international event hosted by the EESC on 3 July on "The social and solidarity economy in Tunisia: the role and support of the EU", with the participation of other high-level speakers including Samir Taïeb, Minister of Agriculture of Tunisia, and Michael Koehler, Director of Neighbourhood South at the European Commission.

In her speech, Ms Slavova explained that Tunisia had always been "a key partner in the EuroMed region for the EESC ", adding that "the Tunisian authorities and the EU are on the same page when it comes to involving civil society on issues such as agriculture, investment, trade and women's empowerment".

Concerning one of the key ongoing issues, the Post-Cotonou agreement and renegotiations, Ms Slavova stated that both EU civil society, represented by the EESC, and the Tunisian partners would like to see "an ambitious place" for civil society in the negotiations.(dgf)