The Bertelsmann Transformation Index in the case of North Africa- Crisis and Consensus

The Bertelsmann Stiftung´s Transformation Index (BTI) is a framework which compares the levels of development in states undergoing transformation and democratization. In the recent examination of the EU´s five North African neighbours´ transformations, the complexities in the region and diversity of newly arising issues were particularly visible.

The BTI found that although political participation in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt increased from 2005 to 2013, the political conflicts in the region have halted the economic development, as evident in higher levels of unemployment and declining tax revenues. Furthermore, while various groups now find it easier to express their views in parliaments, media and civil society, disagreements about identity and power are polarizing societies along religious and social lines.

Europe´s approach to the region has changed dramatically since the beginning of the Arabellion and will continue to develop. The EU has increased its amount of direct budgetary assistance, intensified bilateral cooperation and provided more support for political, social and economic participation. It has adopted the slogan ‘more for more, and less for less’- meaning that countries which take greater steps towards democracy should receive more financial assistance- but the EU´s economic and trade interests have affected its ability to adhere to this policy. After three years it has become apparent that the provision of normative, institutional and practical transformation assistance is what is actually needed.

To develop and sustain a democratic culture of compromise and consensus, with greater transparency and the participation of differing social groups, mediation is becoming increasingly important. Europe´s new political challenge is to complement the transformation partnerships with round tables which it can convene and organize, and for which it can supply suitable moderators.

Read the original Bertelsmann Stiftung article “North Africa – Crisis and Consensus” here.