Education Min: 500 Mln Euro Cost of Funding PRIMA Agreement for Sustainable Dev't

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is taking a new step in the field of scientific research, in partnership with the European Union in order to help Egypt achieve its sustainable development goals.

The Agreement PRIMA, which was signed between the European Union and Egypt in the field of research and innovation aims at finding solutions for the challenges of water scarcity and food security the region, is currently suffering from.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said that the partnership between Egypt and the European Union in the field of research and innovation "Prima", will provide substantial funding and support for research projects and Egyptian researchers in the fields of scientific research that serve the objectives of sustainable development.

This is a priority for Egypt in the next phase With funding of up to 500 million euros in the next 10 years.

Dr. Abdel Ghaffar revealed that and additional 70 million euros will be issued as part of the agreement .

The Ambassador of the European Union, Ivan Surkosh, expressed his appreciation for the strategic relations between Egypt and the EU in all fields, including higher education and scientific research.

He also thanked the efforts of the Egyptian parties that contributed in completing the signing of the agreement and facilitating its implementation for the importance of "Prima" Supporting research and innovation in the areas that serve economic growth and sustainable development.

He noted the commitment of the European Union to provide the necessary support for the implementation of the agreement by providing additional funding through the program "Horizon 2020" 18.3 million euros a year for a period of 10 years.

The agreement, signed in October 2018, aims to enhance cooperation, coordination and integration among Mediterranean countries by supporting joint implementation of national programs that provide innovative solutions in food, agriculture and water systems, contributing to sustainable use of natural resources and economic growth, and addressing climate change.

PRIMA also provides support for research and innovation through a co-financing program for research projects from participating countries, as well as the EU contribution.