Latest news with #Egypt-EU
Al-Ahram Weekly
01-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt FM reviews Gaza ceasefire efforts in call with EU official - Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty reviewed on Tuesday Egypt's intensive efforts, in cooperation with Qatar and the US, to resume a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, during a phone call with EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica. According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, both sides discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip, where the Egyptian FM emphasised the necessity of ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid amid the humanitarian crisis in the strip. He also informed the EU Commissioner of Egypt's preparations to host, in collaboration with the Palestinian government and the UN, the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza once a ceasefire agreement is reached. The Egyptian FM stressed the important role of the EU and its member states in this regard, given that the EU is the largest donor to the Palestinian National Authority. Egypt-EU relations During the call, the top Egyptian diplomat also praised the progress witnessed in Egypt-EU relations and the efforts by both sides in implementing the six pillars of the comprehensive strategic partnership. He welcomed the efforts made by the European Commissioner and her support in securing the European Parliament and Council's approval of the second tranche of the macro-financial assistance package to Egypt. The package, mounting to €4 billion, targets supporting Egypt's efforts in facing multiple economic and developmental challenges amid regional and international instability. Abdelatty expressed Egypt's keenness to further enhance economic, investment, and trade relations with the EU across various sectors, in light of the Egyptian government's efforts to attract foreign investments. The call also addressed the issue of migration. The Egyptian FM stressed the importance of linking migration with development and addressing the root causes of irregular migration. He underscored the need to strengthen the partnership in the area of regular migration and to support European investments in Egypt in ways that contribute to job creation. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Today
18-06-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
European Parliament Approves €4 Billion in Financial Assistance to Egypt
CAIRO - 18 June 2025: During its plenary session in Strasbourg on Wednesday, the European Parliament approved the final reading of the decision to grant Egypt the second tranche of the European Union's Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) package, valued at €4 billion. Commenting on the decision, Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt's Ambassador to the EU, stated that the overwhelming vote in favor followed nearly nine months of intensive deliberations across the Parliament's Committees on International Trade, Foreign Affairs, and Budgets. He noted that the decision also came after continuous diplomatic engagement by the Egyptian side with Members of the European Parliament and leaders of political groups. These efforts focused on highlighting the comprehensive nature of the Egypt-EU relationship, the six pillars of their strategic partnership, and Egypt's role in promoting stability and peace across the Middle East and Africa. Ambassador Abu Zeid underscored the significance of the financial support package as a reflection of the mutual interests between Egypt and the EU and as a step toward deepening their strategic partnership. The European Council is expected to vote on the decision in the coming days, paving the way for the initiation of the disbursement process. The second tranche is anticipated to strengthen Egypt's economic resilience in the face of increasing global and regional challenges, while also supporting the government's ambitious development and economic reform agenda.
Middle East
23-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// Bulgarian FM praises Egypt's strategic ties with EU and strong role in regional stability
CAIRO, May 23 (MENA) - Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev lauded Egypt's enduring role as a cornerstone of regional stability, citing its balanced diplomacy, wise crisis management, and pivotal contributions amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. In an exclusive interview with the Middle East News Agency (MENA) before departing Cairo, Georgiev commended Egypt's relentless efforts toward achieving peace, its mediation to de-escalate tensions, prevent regional spillover, secure a Gaza ceasefire—in coordination with Qatar and the United States—and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Also, he expressed gratitude for Egypt's role in securing the release of hostages, including Bulgarian nationals held in Gaza and Yemen. Georgiev emphasized Egypt's importance not only to Bulgaria but to the European Union, highlighting the upgrade of Egypt-EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024 and the launch of a Joint Cooperation Committee in February. These developments, he said, marked the beginning of an enhanced cooperation roadmap spanning defense, trade, innovation, and connectivity. He commended the consistent communication and positive relations between the Egyptian and Bulgarian presidents, noting that they lay a solid foundation for President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's anticipated visit to Sofia. He noted his two recent conversations with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty and pointed out that his current visit to Egypt is further testament to the importance both countries place on maintaining a close and constructive political dialogue. As an EU member, Bulgaria actively supports the bloc's foreign policy tools and seeks to deepen cooperation with Egypt across key sectors—energy, security, migration, food security, and research and development, Georgiev said. He described Egypt as a vital partner in shaping a strategic EU-Arab vision for the region. Regarding EU financial support for Egypt, Georgiev noted that the €4 billion in assistance is part of a broader package under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, totaling €7.4 billion. This includes a short-term €1 billion macro-financial assistance—already disbursed—and a longer-term €4 billion assistance program. He clarified that the initiative aims to support macroeconomic stability in Egypt while backing a domestic reform agenda in coordination with the ongoing IMF program. The €4 billion in concessional loans is expected to be disbursed in three tranches, each contingent on satisfactory progress in IMF-backed reforms. Georgiev expressed full confidence in the outcome of this joint institutional process and looked forward to the successful disbursement of the financial aid. On bilateral trade, Georgiev confirmed Bulgaria's interest in exploring new opportunities and expanding existing partnerships. He reported that bilateral trade reached a record $1.81 billion last year—an increase of approximately 41% over the previous year—including $378 million in Egyptian exports to Sofia. He voiced optimism about the growing presence of Bulgarian IT and outsourcing companies in Egypt and the rising interest in investment and production in sectors such as food manufacturing, agriculture, and textiles. He noted that Bulgaria has solidified its position as the fourth-largest exporter of high-quality wheat to Egypt, with a nearly 60% increase in exports—from 285,000 tons to nearly 452,000 tons—valued at over $110 million. According to him, Bulgaria is also actively participating in the 'Solidarity Lanes' initiative to facilitate grain exports through alternative routes. In coordination with Romania and Turkey, Bulgaria supports efforts to clear mines, secure Black Sea corridors, and ensure vital food supplies reach Africa, including Egypt, at fair prices. Georgiev reaffirmed Bulgaria's solidarity with Gaza, citing a €200,000 donation through the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization. He said that during the Cairo Ministerial Conference on Humanitarian Response in Gaza, Bulgaria announced its readiness to provide further assistance, including voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization and other humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza in 2025. The Bulgarian minister affirmed support for the Arab plan to reconstruct Gaza and expressed sincere hope for its successful implementation. He reiterated Bulgaria's full commitment to backing all international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the region. (MENA) R E E/
See - Sada Elbalad
22-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's FM Meets EU Commissioner to Deepen Strategic Energy Partnership
Ahmed Emam Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, Badr Abdelatty, met on Thursday with Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, during his official visit to Brussels. The meeting focused on advancing the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Egypt and the EU, with particular emphasis on cooperation in renewable energy and climate change. Minister Abdelatty welcomed the strengthening of ties with the EU, highlighting Egypt's central role in promoting clean and renewable energy in the Middle East. He underscored that energy and climate are two pillars of the six main areas of cooperation agreed upon under the Egypt-EU partnership framework. During the talks, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's efforts in the fields of renewable energy, climate action, and green transition. He pointed to the recent launch of Egypt's ambitious national hydrogen strategy, aimed at positioning the country as a regional hub for green energy. He also emphasized Egypt's commitment to attracting foreign investment in renewable energy, especially from European partners, including companies from Norway, Denmark, Greece, Belgium, and Italy. The minister stressed Egypt's approach to balancing economic growth with its green transformation agenda, in line with the national Vision 2030 strategy for sustainable development. He called for enhanced collaboration with the European Union to support this transition and advance mutual goals in energy security and climate resilience. The meeting comes as part of broader efforts to align Egypt's green economy ambitions with EU priorities and deepen bilateral cooperation in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Al-Ahram Weekly
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt, EU launch Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 in Cairo - Economy
The European Union (EU) delegation to Egypt, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, held the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 launch event in Cairo on Wednesday. The event marked a key milestone in strengthening Egypt-EU cooperation in research and innovation. Over 150 participants attended the launch, including Egyptian academics, researchers, innovators, and officials from the Ministries of Higher Education and Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, head of the EU delegation to Egypt, and Mohamed Ayman Ashour, minister of higher education and scientific research, inaugurated the event. The day aimed to raise awareness about new opportunities for Egyptian entities under Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a 95.5 billion euro budget for 2021–2027. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration, funding access, and Egypt's growing role in the European research and innovation ecosystem. The event follows the initialling of the Horizon Europe Association Agreement between Egypt and the EU on 10 April, paving the way for Egypt's formal association. While the agreement is expected to be signed by November 2025, transitional arrangements are already in place. As of 10 April, Egyptian institutions are eligible to participate in Horizon Europe calls under the 2025 budget and enjoy the same rights as entities from associated countries. 'This year marks two decades of EU-Egypt science and technology cooperation,' said Ambassador Eichhorst. 'Egypt's association with Horizon Europe will usher in a new era, offering not just funding, but also a voice in shaping research priorities, leading international consortia, and opening doors for youth, researchers, and entrepreneurs to innovate and collaborate globally,' she added. Minister Ashour echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to advance Egypt's scientific and technological capabilities. He noted that the partnership with Horizon Europe will help integrate Egypt's research landscape with global networks, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation-led growth. Horizon Europe represents the EU's highest level of international scientific collaboration, offering non-EU countries full participation in research activities. Through this association, Egyptian researchers and institutions will gain access to cutting-edge European research infrastructures and cross-border scientific partnerships spanning academia, industry, and civil society. The association is expected to deepen scientific ties between Egypt and the EU, support Egypt's national innovation agenda, and contribute to regional and global research initiatives. On Wednesday, the two sides concluded the negotiations to extend the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), a strategic programme focused on sustainable water and food systems. Egypt and the EU signed the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership in Cairo in March. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
