In a post on X following talks with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, von der Leyen described Egypt as "a central and stable partner for Europe in a region in turmoil," adding that the EU is moving swiftly to implement the partnership launched in 2024.
She said the upcoming 1.5 billion euro disbursement comes in addition to around 8 billion euros in investments already mobilized under the partnership.
Beyond economic cooperation, von der Leyen said the discussions also focused on diplomatic efforts to address developments in the Middle East.
She reiterated the EU's support for the swift implementation of the agreement between the United States and Iran, while expressing hope for "meaningful progress" in Gaza on recovery and reconstruction.
The 1.5 billion euro disbursement forms part of the implementation of the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, which the two sides launched in 2024 to deepen cooperation on economic reform, investment, energy, migration, and regional security.
The funding comes at a time when Egypt is facing mounting economic pressures stemming from regional instability, including disruptions to natural gas supplies, fertilizer production, and shipping through the Red Sea, all of which have weighed on foreign currency earnings and the country's balance of payments.
Against this backdrop, the EU has increasingly emphasized Egypt's role as a key regional partner. In her post, von der Leyen described Egypt as "a central and stable partner for Europe in a region in turmoil," underscoring Cairo's strategic importance in maintaining regional stability and advancing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
She revealed that during her meeting with El-Sisi, they discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region, where she reiterated the EU's support for the swift implementation by all parties of the agreement between the United States and Iran, as well as progress on Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.
Von der Leyen's announcement signals the EU's continued commitment to supporting Egypt's economic reform programme while reinforcing its broader strategic partnership with Cairo at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty across the Middle East.
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