EU Commissioner Visits Egypt to Strengthen Strategic Partnership and Economic Ties

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, visited Egypt today to reaffirm the European Union’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the country at a crucial time. Egypt is not just a key EU partner—it is a pillar of regional stability, economic cooperation, and security in the Mediterranean. This visit also served as an opportunity to advance discussions on the New Pact for the Mediterranean, a framework aimed at fostering stronger economic, political, and security ties between Mediterranean nations.

During her visit, Commissioner Šuica met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, and Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat. A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a €90 million loan agreement between the EU, the European Investment Bank, and the Egyptian government to support the Egypt Food Resilience project, a major initiative to enhance food security by securing wheat supplies.

Šuica reaffirmed the depth of the EU-Egypt relationship, emphasizing the strong economic and strategic partnership that spans trade, investment, energy transition, climate adaptation, security, and migration management. Egypt remains an indispensable regional player, contributing to stability not only in North Africa but also in the Middle East, particularly concerning the ongoing crises in Gaza and Syria.

As part of its broader commitment to Egypt’s economic progress, the EU is actively supporting the country’s political and economic reforms through its Macro-Financial Assistance package and the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership framework. The EU aims to mobilize up to €1.8 billion in investments under the European Fund for Sustainable Development+ by 2027, with a focus on renewable energy, clean technology, and infrastructure. The Commissioner stressed that continued economic reforms will help unlock further public and private investment, strengthening Egypt’s role as a regional economic hub.

Egypt’s growing importance in regional diplomacy was also a focal point of the discussions. The EU recognizes Egypt’s leadership in conflict mediation and crisis response, particularly its efforts in Gaza, Syria, and broader Middle Eastern affairs. Šuica acknowledged Egypt’s proactive role in humanitarian assistance, peace negotiations, and fostering long-term regional stability.

A significant portion of the Commissioner’s visit was dedicated to engaging with Egyptian leaders on the New Pact for the Mediterranean, a policy initiative designed to enhance people-to-people connections, economic cooperation, and security across the region. Šuica underscored the importance of Egypt’s perspectives in shaping this new framework, ensuring that it delivers tangible benefits for both Egypt and its Mediterranean partners.

In her remarks, Šuica highlighted Egypt’s crucial position at the heart of the Mediterranean, calling it a bridge between three continents. She reiterated the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Egypt’s ambitious economic reforms, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and security.

The visit marks a pivotal moment in EU-Egypt relations, reinforcing the shared vision of economic prosperity, political stability, and regional cooperation. As the EU and Egypt continue to build on their strategic partnership, the New Pact for the Mediterranean promises to bring deeper collaboration, increased investment, and a stronger foundation for long-term regional security and development.