The Secretariat-General of the EU Council proposed the priorities for the partnership between the EU and Egypt for the 2021-2027 period in a document for Member States’ delegations dated 17 May.
The EU proposes to work to strengthen resilience, build prosperity, and support the transformation to a digital and green economy. It intends to support Egypt’s efforts to promote and reform social development and social justice as well as constructive and inclusive social dialogue and to address the social and demographic challenges of rapid population growth, “including water scarcity and food security vulnerability”.
In addition, the EU intends to cooperate with Cairo on energy and the promotion of climate and environmental action, and on the African country’s green transition.
The Union also wants to strengthen its foreign policy partnership, notably on the stabilisation of the common neighbourhood and in terms of crisis management and prevention. “Cooperation will continue to aim at contributing to conflict resolution, peace building, deepening regional economic integration and addressing political and economic challenges in these regions”, the document says, adding that one of the objectives of this cooperation will be to broaden the EU-Egypt partnership in the wider region.
Both sides are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to the Rule of law, full respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
The document also states that the fight against terrorism and violent extremism is a common objective of the EU and Egypt, “which can cooperate through a comprehensive approach”. Both sides are also expected to stress the importance of continuing to work together on all aspects of migration and mobility.
“The EU and Egypt will consider developing judicial cooperation in criminal and civil matters and negotiating cooperation agreements between Egyptian and European law enforcement agencies”, the text adds. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)