The 27 EU foreign ministers said at their monthly meeting on Monday they also will do their utmost to help the north African nation move toward full democracy.

The EU said that in coordination with Tunisian authorities it “has adopted restrictive measures against individuals responsible for misappropriation of state funds.” During 23 years in power, Tunisia’s ousted president cracked down on opponents, including proponents of political Islam, jailing them and sending many into exile.

Amid widespread Tunisian demonstrations against corruption and repression, Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 14.