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2d ago

EU and Egypt Sign Three Deals at First Summit, Opening Horizon Europe to Cairo

Brussels confirmed research access, signaling deeper EU reliance on Cairo’s regional role.

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The EU is keen to talk to Egypt about supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza. REUTERS
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in June 2024 at an EU-Egypt investment conference in Cairo. Photo: Egyptian Presidency Media Office
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Overview

  • The inaugural EU–Egypt summit in Brussels on October 22 brought together Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa and Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi to discuss security, trade, migration and Gaza.
  • European Council President António Costa said three agreements were signed, including a deal granting Egypt participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme.
  • Leaders focused on stabilizing Gaza and coordinating reconstruction efforts alongside closer migration cooperation within the EU’s broader Mediterranean partnership approach.
  • The EU’s €7.4 billion support package to Egypt remains in progress, with €1 billion disbursed and €4 billion in macro‑financial assistance approved but pending a new Memorandum of Understanding.
  • Rights groups urged concrete human‑rights reforms in Egypt, while Brussels prepares a November 20 donor conference for the Palestinian Authority as Egypt plans a separate Gaza reconstruction meeting with coordination still unclear.