Memo: EU’s response to the “Arab Spring”: The State-of-Play after Two Years

2013 marked more than two years since the dawn of the “Arab Spring”, starting with the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. The situation in practically the whole of the Arab world remained highly fluid yet important differences emerged among and between the countries and the regions.

While overall significant progress had been made in promoting democratic reforms (e.g. holding of elections in line with democratic standards, strengthening of the role of civil society, increased freedom of expression and assembly) many obstacles still needed to be overcome in order for these transitions to be successfully consolidated.