Brussels, 26/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 25 March, the European Commission stated that Egypt's political and economic development in 2014 was marked by a complicated transition that was influenced by the difficult internal and regional security context.
In its progress report, the Commission says that although Egypt's political transition continued - especially with the adoption of a new constitution and the election of a new president - “work remains in terms of governance, rule of law and human rights”. The restrictions on the freedoms of association, meeting and expression continued. The death penalty was handed down in numerous cases and executions resumed in June after a three-year de facto moratorium. The Commission calls for the return to this moratorium and thus recommends the adoption and full implementation of the constitution. It also wants the creation of “conditions conducive to an active and independent civil society that can contribute to the country's political, social and economic development”. The country must ensure that its regulations on the right of asylum are in line with international standards.
Egypt's “macroeconomic situation remained fragile [in 2014] but bold reforms were launched by the government”, the Commission states, calling for efforts in implementing the reforms.
A positive sign in 2014 was that Egypt emerged as a key partner in foreign policy, playing a “pivotal role” in the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza in August. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)