European Union announces $8 billion aid package for Egypt

CAIRO (AP) – The European Union on Sunday gave cash-strapped Egypt an 8 billion yen loan, amid concerns that economic pressures and conflict and turmoil in neighboring countries could lead to more migrants entering Europe. announced measures to support the dollar.

Egyptian officials said the deal is expected to be signed during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece.

The package includes both grants and loans for the Arab world’s most populous country for the next three years, according to the European Union’s mission in Cairo.

According to a document from the EU Delegation to Egypt, the two countries promoted cooperation to the level of a “strategic and comprehensive partnership”, paving the way for expanded cooperation between Egypt and the EU in various economic and non-economic fields.

The EU will provide assistance to the Egyptian government to strengthen its border with Libya, a key transit point for migrants fleeing poverty and conflict, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, and after nearly a year of fighting between the two countries. Japan also plans to assist the government in accepting Sudanese who have fled. Rival general of your own country.

For decades, Egypt has been a haven for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to escape war and poverty. For some, Egypt is a destination and a haven, the closest and most accessible country. For others, it is a way station before attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Europe.

Although Egypt’s coast is not a major starting point for smugglers and human traffickers sending packed ships across the Mediterranean to Europe, Egypt faces migration pressure from the region and the Israeli-Hamas war has pushed its borders closer to home. Added to this is the immediate threat of spillover beyond the borders. .

The package drew criticism from international human rights groups over Egypt’s human rights record. Amnesty International condemned the deal and called on European leaders not to be complicit in human rights abuses taking place in Egypt.

“EU leaders must ensure that the Egyptian authorities adopt clear standards on human rights,” Yves Guedi, Amnesty International’s director of European institutions, said in a statement. Mr. Gedi pointed to Egypt’s restrictions on media and freedom of expression, as well as the crackdown on civil society.