On October 23, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took part in the first Egypt\u2013EU Summit, held at the European Council headquarters in Brussels. The meeting was attended by European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with Egypt\u2019s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Egyptians Abroad, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty; Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat; and Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, representing the investment sector.<\/p>\n
In his address,<\/a> President Sisi described the summit as a strategic step toward strengthening the comprehensive partnership between Egypt and the European Union in the fields of investment, energy, development, and migration. He emphasized that Egypt is a \u201creliable and pivotal partner\u201d for Europe in its regional environment, possessing the capabilities to become an active industrial and commercial hub. Sisi reviewed Egypt\u2019s efforts in combating terrorism, irregular migration, and transnational challenges, declaring that no migrant boat has left Egypt\u2019s shores since 2016, while the country currently hosts more than 9.5 million refugees and foreigners who receive the same public services as Egyptian citizens. \u201cEgypt deals with the migration issue from a humanitarian and developmental perspective, not a purely security one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The European Union, in turn,<\/a> praised Egypt for hosting millions of refugees and for its joint commitment to managing migration, combating smuggling, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration. It revealed that Egypt\u2019s cooperation contributed to a 21% decrease in irregular migration to Europe in early 2025, supported by EU-funded border security programs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n On regional issues, Sisi affirmed that Egypt continues its efforts to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, within the framework of the initiative launched at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit recently hosted by Egypt. He reiterated Egypt\u2019s push for a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The president also highlighted Egypt\u2019s efforts in Sudan to reach a ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian access, and cooperate with the EU to preserve Sudan\u2019s unity and prevent its slide into chaos, in addition to supporting a Libyan-Libyan political settlement based on institutional unification and the withdrawal of foreign forces.<\/p>\n For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced<\/a> the signing of a new agreement between the EU and Egypt that includes \u20ac5 billion in financial assistance, comprising loans, investments, and grants. This package is part of the \u20ac7.4 billion framework agreed upon in 2024 between the EU and President Sisi, which includes provisions aimed at curbing migration to Europe. Both sides also pledged to enhance trade and investment by updating the Association Agreement, launching new initiatives for the green transition and renewable energy, and expanding cooperation in clean technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.<\/p>\n According to the joint statement of the Egypt\u2013EU Summit, the meeting marks a major milestone in the development of bilateral relations. The two parties agreed to support peace, security, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, while commending Egypt\u2019s role in promoting regional stability and mediating conflict resolutions. The EU welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan and Egypt\u2019s mediation efforts, calling for the swift and safe entry of humanitarian aid. The statement reaffirmed the EU\u2019s support for the two-state solution, rejection of forced displacement or settlement expansion, and its commitment to working toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as supporting UN efforts in Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa to achieve political solutions and ensure humanitarian access.<\/p>\n A Decade of IMF Loans: Can Egypt Break Free in 2026?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n