Von der Leyen announced the signing of a new 4 billion euro agreement to support the Egyptian economy, describing it as “a crucial step toward creating a more attractive business environment and drawing greater investment to Egypt.”
“This is excellent news for Egypt’s economic potential and future growth,” she said, adding that the summit marked “a significant milestone in deepening our partnership.”
In March 2024, Egypt and the EU signed a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership in Cairo, built around six pillars: political relations, economic stability, trade and investment, migration and mobility, security, and human capital.
The deal is backed by a 7.4 billion euro package for 2024–27 to support Egypt’s economic recovery and development.
According to a joint statement, the agreements signed on Wednesday aim to expand cooperation across key sectors and reinforce a "shared commitment to long-term stability, peace, security, and prosperity as well as to the universal values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
At the Brussels summit, both sides formalised Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, allowing Egyptian researchers and institutions to lead projects and strengthen national research capacity.
They also reaffirmed commitments to a “comprehensive approach” to migration governance, pledging to work together on creating “structured, fair and regular migration pathways” while continuing cooperation on border management, search and rescue, and efforts to combat migrant smuggling.
The 19-page document revealed that both sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation on security and defence, including the launch of "preliminary discussions to establish an EU–Egypt Security and Defence Dialogue."
They will follow up on their first Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, with plans to hold a second round in early 2026, ensuring its continuity through enhanced project collaboration.
Implementation has also begun on the first European Peace Facility assistance measure benefiting the Egyptian Armed Forces, with discussions ongoing for a possible second phase, according to the document.
In addition, the working arrangement between Europol and Egypt’s Ministry of Interior, signed in 2025, is being put into operation.
Talks at the summit centred on regional security and the situation in Gaza, with the document recognizing “Egypt’s essential role in promoting stability through peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts in the region.”
The leaders welcomed progress on the first phase of the plan to end the Israeli war on Gaza put forward by US President Donald Trump, as well as the outcome of the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace held on 13 October.
They voiced “deep concern” over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for “safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access” and the restoration of essential services, particularly medical infrastructure.
Reaffirming their commitment to a two-state solution, the leaders said, “We reiterate our firm commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the New York Declaration, with the State of Israel and a sovereign, viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.”
They further “strongly rejected any attempts at annexation or any form of individual or collective displacement, forced or otherwise, of Palestinians from any part of the occupied territory.”
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