In an exclusive interview with Ahram Online, Romanian politician and Member of the European Parliament, Rareș Bogdan, discussed the European Parliament's cooperation with Egypt, highlighting areas of mutual interest and opportunities for growth.
As Romania holds a significant position in the European Parliament, Bogdan shared his insights on how the parliament can support Egypt's stability and development.
Rareș Bogdan expressed his commitment to strengthening ties between the EU and Egypt, exploring the European Parliament's role in promoting cooperation between the two regions, particularly in areas such as energy, trade, and education.
Ahram Online (AO): In the context of celebrating 120 years of bilateral relations with Romania, what do you consider to be the “legacy” of this long-standing friendship, and how can we use this important milestone to move from traditional cooperation toward a comprehensive strategic partnership?
Rareș Bogdan (RB): The EU is Egypt’s most important trading partner, not only in light of the partnership signed in 2024. As we know, this partnership is structured around six pillars: politics, economic stability, trade & investment, migration & mobility, security, and demography & human capital. If we ensure that this strategic partnership is continuously developed through concrete actions, sincerity, and determination, we all stand to gain. The gain would not only be valuable allies, but true friends.
AO: Egypt will remain the “cornerstone of stability” for the EU partnership in the Middle East. As a politician, how do you see Egypt’s role in this regard?
RB: I am deeply pleased by the role Egypt plays in efforts to stabilize the Middle East. Like any intellectual who cherishes the pillars of universal culture, I consider Egypt to be one of the few titans of the evolution of human thought. This major source of wisdom could only reaffirm its role in the history of humanity. Egypt’s role is crucial. If we all pursue peace, stability, and development will follow naturally.
AO: Egypt has been a key mediator in the Gaza conflict. How can the European Parliament better support Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to ensure a long-term solution based on the “two-state solution”?
RB: Such a solution is only possible if both people desire it. I am referring to majorities, not isolated groups or minority currents. I cannot speak on behalf of the European Parliament. I, as MEP Ioan-Rareș Bogdan, believe that Israelis will not accept discussing this idea unless there are profound gestures that clearly address their security concerns, but it would be a step forward. The European Parliament will always support peace solutions. Romania has expressed support for Egypt’s vital interests regarding water security.
AO: Egypt’s vital interests regarding water security. Will you advocate for a more proactive EU role in mediating regional water disputes, recognizing them as a fundamental threat to Mediterranean stability?
RB: Absolutely. Especially since the EU has a long-term strategic objective of mitigating the negative effects of climate challenges. We must prevent a potential disaster that many respected analysts have urged politicians to consider since the last century, namely that future military conflicts may be wars over water.
There are already studies showing that the drought in Syria between 2006 and 2010 was one of the catalytic factors of the civil war. Then we have the situation in Yemen. And we arrive, of course, at the dam built by Ethiopia, which generates significant tension. I believe the EU must play a deeper role.
This blessing from God, the magnificent Nile, must not turn into a nightmare. There are already too many conflict hotspots generated by the desire of some to prosper at the expense of others.
AO: Given that Egypt is a vital pillar for European security, how do you act within the European Parliament to ensure that Egypt’s specific challenges are addressed with support, not merely regulation?
RB: I am among the MEPs who do not accept the idea that words can replace actions. I was a journalist for many years, and my program focused precisely on the need for politicians to leave behind citadels, not black holes. I do not hesitate to hold members of my own political family accountable when necessary, because we are all subject to error. I assure you that you have in me a friend ready to act.
AO: Egypt currently hosts more refugees than almost any other Mediterranean country, without using traditional “camp” systems. How do you view this role, and how can the European Parliament support this file?
RB: Egypt must be supported in managing this difficult mission. We are working to strengthen the partnership on migration management, but Egypt must not be left alone. It is in no one’s interest to increase pressure on Egyptian authorities to contribute to a tense social climate in the region, one that could generate further instability.
AO: As a Member of the European Parliament, how do you respond to colleagues who prioritize human rights rhetoric over the strategic necessity of supporting Egypt’s stability? How do you find the balance between “political dialogue” and “strategic support” in the 10th legislative term?
RB: Balance is one of the keys. But the universal key here is political will. In principle, you cannot turn a blind eye to human rights on the grounds that stability comes first, nor can you risk regional security by exaggerating certain emphases. More concretely, I would say that within the category of “human rights,” more and more aspects are being included, some of which contradict traditions and the fundamental values of a culture.
Each case must be analyzed individually, taking into account its specific context. One must assess whether, in the name of human rights, one does not end up with exaggerations. The EU conditions its assistance to Egypt on respect for values it firmly upholds: democracy, the rule of law, human rights, non-discrimination, and freedom.
It would be strange to finance regimes that violate them. After all, EU funds also come from the taxes paid by 450 million citizens. You have no right to ignore their will. Stability is essential, and its absence generates tensions that can spread in concentric circles and cause the entire planet to suffer, because we are talking about resources, energy, and markets.
Yet all of this should benefit ordinary people. Or at least that is how it should be. People are social beings who need a sense of justice, spiritual fulfillment, and the peace that comes from freedom of conscience, democracy, and the rule of law.
AO: As a prominent Romanian voice in the European Parliament, do you believe the Romanian Parliament could play a supportive role for the Egyptian Parliament? More specifically, could we see “twinning programs” with Bucharest or Brussels?
RB: These are very generous ideas, and I fully support such programs. As someone who travels across almost all continents, I am happy to learn from every culture I encounter. I believe this is how we can improve one another: by discovering each other, understanding each other, and supporting each other in the name of peace.
Egypt is now an associate member of the Horizon Europe programme.
AO: How can Romania leverage its expertise in IT and digitalization to use Egypt as a “digital and logistics hub” for the broader African market, particularly through the Constanța–Suez Canal corridor?
RB: I believe Romanian specialists, recognized worldwide, can contribute significantly to strengthening this highly complex and challenging field. Egypt must consolidate its digital and logistical capacities to provide expertise to others in turn. If we refer to the strategic importance of developing this corridor, considering that the Romanian port is only 20 hours by car from Crimea, that says it all.
And if we consider that Horizon Europe is an opportunity for cutting-edge projects and innovation in vital research fields such as sustainable agriculture and water management—thus food security—we can already see tangible benefits for our societies.
AO: How can the European Parliament provide the legislative framework or funding necessary to support Romanian-Egyptian joint ventures targeting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)?
RB: The European Parliament cannot intervene in areas governed by the principle of freedom of association and free movement of capital except at the legislative level—and only in accordance with EU Treaties. Even then, its role is limited, because legislative initiative in the EU belongs to the European Commission.
We amend proposals on behalf of the citizens who elected us. To the extent that such associations can bring benefits to the EU, our role is to ensure that they function in accordance with these treaties and in the interest of European citizens. As AfCFTA is the largest free-trade area in the world, I welcome any initiative that can lead to mutual benefits.
AO: Given Romania’s expertise in natural gas and Egypt’s emergence as a regional gas hub, how can the European Parliament support the infrastructure needed to connect Eastern European energy markets with Egyptian LNG and green hydrogen?
RB: Through proposals that draw the attention of the European Commission—the institution with legislative initiative—to the benefits of such infrastructure. The key to energy independence today is interconnection. By insisting that the European Parliament prioritize such projects and secure their funding, we can accelerate progress.
AO: There is a growing demand for Egyptian labor in Romania and a need for modernised educational bridges. Would you support an “EU–Egypt Talent Partnership” focused on technical vocational training and dual-degree programs between our universities?
RB: Certainly. I support any partnership that brings benefits to European citizens, especially Romanians. Educational bridges are the key—they must be built and strengthened. It is not an easy process in principle, but in technical fields, such bridges already exist, because exact sciences are a universal language. And Egypt has been a prominent stage of science since antiquity.
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