European Parliament president Martin Schulz on Tuesday (December 18th) reiterated the European Union's willingness to help fund the democratic transition in Tunisia, TAP reported.

Speaking in Tunis after meeting with Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali, Schulz said the new grants would "support reforms made by the Government to revive the economy and establish democratic institutions and the rule of law".

"We as Europeans must understand that our economic co-operation with Tunisia should be much stronger," AFP quoted Schulz as saying Tuesday at the start of his 2-day official visit.