Egypt has formally gained access to the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday. The move allows Egyptian institutions, researchers, and companies to apply for EU-funded projects, though funding will depend on the merit of each proposal.
“Egyptians have now access to apply for funding, but the assignment of funds is based on merit,” an EU official clarified. Horizon Europe, with a total budget of €93.5 billion for 2021–2027, supports projects across academia, industry, and public institutions, addressing climate change, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and EU competitiveness.
Von der Leyen highlighted that Horizon Europe “invests in critical projects for our competitiveness – from clean energy to quantum computing,” adding that Egyptian researchers and talents can now benefit from these opportunities.
In addition, the EU announced €5 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt, part of a previously promised €7.4 billion package for 2024–2027. A €1 billion short-term loan was already disbursed in April 2024, while the remaining €4 billion is awaiting partial release. The assistance is intended to support Egypt’s reform agenda and boost socio-economic development, with a focus on health, education, water, and sanitation, particularly for women and youth.
However, the EU’s financial support has drawn criticism from some Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and human rights organisations. In a letter to von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, 34 MEPs from Greens/EFA, Socialists, and The Left expressed concern over Egypt’s democratic record and human rights situation, noting that “despite formal commitments, the Egyptian authorities have failed to meet the necessary human rights pre-conditions.”
Claudio Francavilla of Human Rights Watch urged Europe to use its leverage to secure reforms and ensure accountability to the Egyptian people.
