Press Release: M. Prodi signs the financing agreements for two projects in Tunisia totalling EUR 54.5 million

On 12.1.01, the President of the European Commission, Mr. Romano Prodi and Mr. Fethi Merdassi, Minister of International Cooperation and Foreign Investment, signed two projects under the MEDA II National Indicative Programme for 2000-2002. The basic aim of the MEDA programme is to encourage and support economic transition in the Mediterranean partner countries and the reform of economic and social structures in preparation for setting up a free trade area with the European Union. The projects already approved will receive grants of €40 million and €14.5 million respectively. They concern basic education and hill dams.