Egypt has received €1 billion in financial assistance from the European Union, following a disbursement by the European Commission under a partnership agreement signed in 2024.
The European Commission confirmed on Thursday that the funds, equivalent to about $1.16 billion, were released as budgetary support aimed at strengthening Egypt’s economic stability and institutional reforms.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said the funding was targeted at critical areas including economic stability, democracy, sustainability, and the rule of law.
“This funding is going where it is needed most: economic stability, democracy, sustainability, and the rule of law,” von der Leyen said.
The payment represents the second tranche of a broader €5 billion support package and was made conditional on specific reform benchmarks, the Commission disclosed.
According to the EU, Egypt has implemented key reforms to enhance economic resilience, taken “concrete and credible steps” toward respecting democratic mechanisms, and remained aligned with reform commitments under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
Von der Leyen added that the disbursement reflected Egypt’s efforts to build a stronger and greener economy.
The European Union has also indicated its intention to deepen cooperation with Egypt on migration management, particularly in curbing irregular migration routes into Europe.
However, the partnership has attracted criticism from human rights organisations, who argue that political repression in Egypt has continued despite closer engagement with the EU.
Rights groups allege that critics of the government are still subjected to arbitrary arrests, unfair trials, and lengthy prison sentences.
They also claim that cases of extrajudicial killings persist with near-total impunity, raising concerns about the human rights implications of the EU’s growing financial and strategic support for Egypt.
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