Attendees included Egyptian ministers, governors, members of parliament and journalists, as well as Arab and European officials and diplomats.

Ambassador Christian Berger, head of the EU delegation, said during the ceremony that “the past twelve months have seen a strong Egypt-EU relationship, including the agreement on the Partnership Priorities which will guide the relationship between both sides for the next seven years.

He also pointed to the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on energy and hydrogen cooperation.

"I would like to extend my thanks to Egypt for helping us meet our needs in energy security," Berger said.

He disclosed that following up on the most recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), food security, and migration are important topics of cooperation with Egypt.

Berger stated that the 2023 European Year of Skills would give new momentum to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, supporting innovation and competitiveness.

"This is a great opportunity to focus on developing skills, boost social inclusion and growth, working, in particular, with youth and women," he expressed.

Berger also indicated that the European Union is a major source of official development aid and humanitarian aid. They provide 30 percent of global climate finance, and have made a concrete commitment to work jointly on high-quality investments and connectivity. They are also committed to working on debt relief inside the G20 and with the Global Gateway, he added.

Berger pointed to comments in 1950, five years after the end of WWII, by France’s then-Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, who said that world peace cannot be safeguarded without creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.

His words ring true and timely today, Berger said, adding "one year ago, we all had hoped that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, an independent and sovereign state, would end soon."

Europe Day, which is celebrated on 9 May by the EU, marks the founding of the Council of Europe in 1949.

EU-Egypt relations

During the Europe Day celebration, Soha Gendy, Egypt's minister of emigration and expatriates affairs, stressed the depth of the Egyptian-European relations. She called them a model for distinguished bilateral relations, saying cooperation is constantly being strengthened, especially in the economic field and other issues of common interest.

“Egypt and the European Union share interests in common and distinct files, including in immigration, trade exchange issues, development, investment and culture, as well as in many other fields,” she added.