EU_s_response_to_the__Arab_Spring___The_State-of-Play_after_Two_YearsMore than two years have passed 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 remains  highly fluid yet important differences have emerged among and between the countries and the
regions. While overall significant progress has 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 need to be overcome in order  for these transitions to be successfully consolidated.