Tunisia's main Western allies, the EU, especially France, and the US, were slow to support the uprising against Mr Ben Ali. Relations between Tunisia and France have also been strained owing to France's refusal to accept Tunisian migrants and with Italy owing to the influx of migrants from Tunisia since the start of the protests in December 2010. However, the West has welcomed the transition to democracy and has pledged to assist with funds and expertise. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects a substantial amount of international aid to flow into Tunisia. The G8 group of major economies have pledged US$25bn in aid to Tunisia over the next five years. The World Bank and the IMF have also said they will give US$500m each in budgetary support. In addition, the EU has said that it will finalise negotiations on Tunisia's "advanced status" application by July. The US and the EU regarded Mr Ben Ali as an important ally in the "war on terror" and will work closely with the new government to restore stability in the country.