European Union signs EUR 7.4 billion aid package for Egypt to address migration issues and more

The European Union has announced a 7.4 billion euro ($8 billion) aid package for Egypt amid concerns that a flood of Israeli migrants will cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Egyptian Abdel Fattah el-Sissi signed the agreement in Cairo on Sunday, which was criticized because of Egypt’s human rights record, AP said. The news agency reported.

El-Sissi addressed the visiting European leaders, including Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, who attended the signing: “Your visit today marks a very important milestone in Egypt’s relations with the European Union. “It was,” he said.

El-Sisi added that the partnership will help realize a “paradigm shift in our partnership.”

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The EUR 7.4 billion agreement consists of grants and loans for the next three years, with around EUR 5 billion of the funding considered macro-financial support.

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The two sides agreed to a “strategic and comprehensive partnership”, which could lead to expanded cooperation between Egypt and the EU, benefiting both non-economic and economic sectors.

“The European Union recognizes Egypt’s unique and vital geopolitical role as a reliable partner and a pillar of security, moderation and peace in the Mediterranean, Near East and Africa regions.” said in a joint statement after the summit meeting.

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The agreement between the EU and Egypt is called a “Joint Declaration” and aims to promote “democracy, fundamental freedoms, human rights and gender equality,” the EU said.

But it also includes cooperation to tackle the challenges of migration and terrorism.

The funding is intended to help Egypt strengthen its borders, bordering countries such as Libya through which migrants fleeing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa pass.

Egypt has hosted more than 460,000 Sudanese since April 2023, and the military commander, General Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, continue to fight.

Egypt strengthens border with Gaza as Israel continues attacks

Clashes between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip could lead to hundreds of thousands of people flowing into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, with more than 1 million people hosted in Rafah, the southernmost town of Gaza, the Associated Press reported. .

Egypt currently reports approximately 9 million migrants in the country, including approximately 480,000 people registered with the United Nations Refugee Agency as refugees and asylum seekers.

Egypt’s coast has never been a major jumping-off point for human traffickers to send ships full of people to Europe via the Mediterranean, but concerns about the issue are growing as Egypt faces pressure from incoming migrants.

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The deal follows the template of other agreements recently signed with Tunisia and Mauritania, which pledged money in exchange for strengthening their borders. Both Tunisia and Mauritania are the starting point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean in search of freedom to Italy and Spain.

Still, the package was criticized by international groups because of Egypt’s history of human rights abuses.

One group, Amnesty International, reportedly urged the EU not to downplay Egypt’s violations.

“EU leaders must ensure that Egyptian authorities adopt clear standards on human rights,” said Yves Guedi, director of Amnesty International’s European Agency. She particularly pointed to the country’s restrictions on media and freedom of expression, as well as the crackdown on civil society.

European Commission Spokesperson Eric Mamer told reporters he defended the partnership but acknowledged there were human rights violations.

“Yes, we know that there are criticisms related to human rights in these countries and it is clear that this is an issue,” he said. “Does that mean we should sever all ties? Will that lead to an improvement in the situation? Or should we work with those countries to improve the situation on the ground for both locals and migrants? Should we try to find a way?” What about those countries? ”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Original article source: European Union signs EUR 7.4 billion aid package for Egypt to address migration issues and more