On 14 January 2011, widespread protests in Tunisia ousted president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s longstanding regime. Since then, a unique and complex democratic transition has started in Tunisia, the only MENA country to have embarked on a path of political change in the wake of the Arab spring. Ten years later, Tunisia has achieved important results, but much remains to be done. The Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impact have exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities and inequalities, triggering frustration and distrust among Tunisians over institutions, ruling elites and political parties. What are the main challenges facing Tunisia today? How can the country’s economic fragility and the risk of instability be overcome? And how to relaunch and renew the EU-Tunisia partnership?

This publication is the first of a series of ISPI Dossiers looking at the trajectories, challenges and future prospects of different Arab countries that were shaken by disruptive revolts a decade ago, including Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen.