CAIRO – 23 October 2025: Leaders of Egypt and the European Union issued on Wednesday a joint statement following the first Egypt-EU summit held in Brussels, affirming that the event represents a milestone in deepening bilateral relations based on the Association Agreement, Partnership Priorities, and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The joint statement affirmed support for Egypt's water security and the need to adhere to international law regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
The Egypt-EU summit statement also called for an end to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan and affirmed that peace, security, and a rules-based international order are at the core of the long-standing partnership.
The leaders confirmed their shared commitment to long-term stability, peace, security, and prosperity, as well as to the values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
They also reaffirmed ‘unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and respect for international law.
The European Union and Egypt welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, as well as the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit held on 13 October.
They added that they “will continue to support the Palestinian Authority, its reform program, and its security forces. We also support the establishment of a technocratic, non-political interim Palestinian committee, and we emphasize the need to unify Gaza and the West Bank under a single authority. Hamas must end its rule in Gaza, in accordance with the policy of ‘one state, one law, one government, one gun.’”
Regarding Ukraine, the statement affirmed the need to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, and we affirm our support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts to achieve economic stability through a €7.4 billion financing package including concessional loans, investments, and grants.
The leaders reaffirmed commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, and promoting just transition pathways.
“We reaffirm cooperation on migration issues, appreciating Egypt's role in hosting millions of refugees, and committing ourselves to developing legal and orderly migration routes, strengthening border management, combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and ensuring dignified voluntary return,” the statement read.
During the summit, an agreement was signed for Egypt to join the Horizon Europe programme, allowing Egyptian researchers to fully participate in European research and innovation projects.
It was also agreed to hold the next EU-Egypt summit in Cairo in 2027.
Below is a full transcript of the joint statement:
We, the leaders of the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt, held our first EU-Egypt Summit in Brussels, Belgium on 22 October 2025 and concluded the following:
1. Today's Summit marks a significant milestone in the deepening of EU–Egypt relations, building on the Association Agreement, our Partnership Priorities and the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP). We reaffirm our shared commitment to long-term stability, peace, security, and prosperity as well as to the universal values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We emphasise our shared ambition to further deepen long-term strategic ties, cooperate in addressing our many global and regional common challenges, promote joint interests and renew partnership priorities. The Summit recognises Egypt's essential role in promoting stability through peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts in the region.
2. The EU and Egypt underline that peace, security and the rules-based international order are at the heart of their longstanding partnership. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, and to upholding international law, including the law of the sea.
We underscore the necessity of reinforcing effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order with the UN at its core, committing to collaborate closely in addressing global challenges and finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, we confirm our support to the implementation of the UN Pact for the Future, the ambitious reforms sought under the UN80 initiative and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We condemn all violations and abuses of international law, including international humanitarian law, and call for its strict respect.
3. The EU and Egypt welcome the agreement reached on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict put forward by President Trump, as well as the outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace held on 13 October.
We call on all sides to continue working on the implementation of the Plan, welcoming Egypt's mediation efforts in this regard. As we remain deeply concerned over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, we call for safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access and for the restoration of essential services, including in particular medical infrastructure. Guaranteeing the provision of full humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, with a central role for the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, constitutes a core EU and Egyptian priority.
We reiterate our firm commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-State solution, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the New York Declaration, with the State of Israel and a sovereign viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition. We remain concerned by the situation in the West Bank, recalling our condemnation, in the strongest terms, of settler violence, the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law, and which all further undermine the two-State solution.
We strongly reject any attempts of annexation or of any form of individual or collective displacement, forced or otherwise, of Palestinians from any part of the occupied territory. We will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda, as well as its security forces. We support the creation of a temporary, technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee and stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. Hamas must end its rule in Gaza, in accordance with the “One State, one law, one government, one gun” policy of the Palestinian Authority.
We underscore our commitment towards the reconstruction and recovery of Gaza, including through the international conference which will be hosted by Egypt once a lasting ceasefire is in place, and through the Palestine Donor Group.
4. On Ukraine, we recall the UN General Assembly Resolutions ES-11/1, ES-11/2, ES 11/4, ES- 11/6 and ES-11/7 and in this context reiterate the obligation of all States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force.
We underscore the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We underline the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts and the respect international humanitarian law, recalling our commitment to upholding accountability for serious violations of international law. We reaffirm our support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
5. We support the UN efforts in Libya and UNSMIL's roadmap to ensure peace, stability, sovereignty, and unity in the country. A Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process should lead to the reunification of all institutions, and presidential and parliamentary elections should be held within a specific timeframe. We also emphasise the necessity for the reunification of all Libyan armed and security forces and the withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya.
6. We underscore the importance of coordinated international engagement to address the root causes of instability in the Horn of Africa, including the impact of climate change, displacement, and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.
We reaffirm our support for post conflict reconstruction and development efforts in Africa, and in this regard appreciate the role of the AU Centre for Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development hosted in Cairo. We reiterate our call for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan.
All concerned parties should engage constructively in an inclusive Sudanese-owned and led political process. We also stress the need for sustained and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese population, and for scaling up humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries. We reaffirm our support to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan.
We assert our support for the efforts of regional and international actors, including the QUAD and the African Union, to find a political solution to the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. We support the continued efforts of the authorities of the Federal Republic of Somalia to advance state-building and security sector reform.
We express grave concern over the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and reiterate our commitment to Somalia's security transition acknowledging the EU's support to successive AU-led missions in Somalia. We welcome the launch of the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with Egypt's planned participation in this Mission, and stress the need for diversification of support by international partners, including new donors.
7. Maritime security and the freedom of navigation need to be protected in the Red Sea, to the benefit of international security and trade. We recognise the role played by the EU military operations EUNAVFOR Aspides and Atalanta in this regard.
Bearing in mind that recent regional instability has led to diverted navigation routes and significantly reduced revenues for Egypt from the Suez Canal, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region, anchored in respect for international law and regional cooperation.
8. We welcome the Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims to unlock new opportunities, address common challenges, and move together towards a partnership based on mutual trust and respect, joint responsibility, co-ownership and co-creation. Together we will build the region's resilience and create new opportunities for young people, women, small business and entrepreneurs to guarantee long-term stability.
9. Rule of law, human rights and inclusive governance play an indispensable role in fostering stability, sustainable development and peace. We welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen the rule of law according to international standards.
We will strengthen our dialogue and enhance our cooperation on human rights for all in a comprehensive manner, with particular attention to people in vulnerable situations, including the rights of women and girls, and with a view to ensuring all rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of association, among others.
We will strengthen cooperation on inclusive, effective and accountable governance by supporting the ongoing policies to enhance public institutions and capacities to further develop inclusive policies, as well as to modernise public services, and combat corruption. Civil society plays an important role in the implementation of our Association Agreement and partnership.
We agreed on the important role that civil society also plays in achieving Egypt's Vision 2030 and national strategies for economic development and social empowerment.
10. Acknowledging the socioeconomic impact of regional crises on Egypt, the EU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts towards achieving macro-economic stability and resilience, through a support package of EUR 7.4 billion underpinning the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, as announced in March 2024. It consists of EUR 5 billion in concessional loans, EUR 1.8 billion of additional investments to be mobilised and EUR 600 million in grants.
The recent Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) provides vital financial support, accompanying Egypt's reform agenda particularly to stabilise its economy in close cooperation with the ongoing International Monetary Fund programme, and in accordance with the shared commitments as stated in Decision (EU) 2025/1267.
11. Increased cooperation and economic reforms will enhance Egypt's trade and investment environment further.
Over the past twenty years, we have enhanced access for Egyptian exports to the European market, significantly increasing trade volumes and encouraging diversification of the Egyptian economy through our Association Agreement.
We will continue to effectively implement the free trade area, explore ways to modernise the agreement with a view to better adapting it to today's challenges, and to enable conducive environments for trade and investments. Our joint efforts to mobilise private sector investments, exemplified by the EU- Egypt Investment Conference in 2024 and the High Level Event on investments, innovation and skills held in the margins of the Summit, aim to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Egypt, effectively promoting job creation and a more dynamic and resilient economy, to the benefit of Egyptian citizens, as well as businesses and entrepreneurs. We pledge to further strengthen investment ties and continue our bilateral engagement towards a Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA).
We acknowledge the importance of the multilateral trading system and the need for deep reforms of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). We commit to support integrating the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO.
12. The EU-Egypt Investment Mechanism will facilitate mobilisation of up to EUR 5 billion in investments until 2027 through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). Furthermore, the EU and Egypt are committed to position their partnership at the forefront of the green transition in the Mediterranean, in the framework of the Trans- Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED).
13. On energy, the EU and Egypt have a common and converging strategic interest in the rapid transition towards low-emissions and climate-resilient economies, in order to unleash the huge renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind, as well as the strengthening of grid and cross-border energy infrastructure (contributing to Egypt's flagship initiative on Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE).
Safe and sustainable low carbon power generation, including renewables, energy efficiency, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) solutions, and cross-border energy connectivity, provide opportunities to ensure secure, affordable and sustainable energy for our countries.
We commit to develop the technologies and regulatory conditions that can lead our countries to thriving safe and sustainable renewable and other low-carbon energy industries and bring many benefits for all, notably sustainable, secure and affordable energy, job creation and industrial growth. Our energy cooperation will also include exploring opportunities for the reduction, recovery and commercialisation of methane emissions in our energy cooperation.
On transport, we commit to enhancing connectivity while reducing emissions, in line with agreements reached in international fora, including IMO and ICAO.
14. We reaffirm our commitment to accelerate the global green transition, recognising its crucial role in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development and ensuring a prosperous future for all.
Through our partnership, we will continue to promote innovation, the transition to a resource-efficient, circular economy and environmentally friendly practices. We will continue to jointly explore solutions to address global plastic pollution.
By prioritising investments in key sectors, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, water, wastewater and waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies, the EU is supporting Egypt's green transition and enhancing its resilience to climate change, as also reflected in the EU's support for grid and cross-border connectivity projects such as the NWFE Electricity Grid Reinforcement, the modernization of the Alexandria Area Control Centre, and the GREGY Interconnector.
15. The EU and Egypt reaffirm their commitment to cooperate in the fields of digital transformation, to mobilise investments into trusted, secure digital connectivity and data infrastructures and to advance cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data economy, talent development and digital skills.
The EU and Egypt discussed ways to advance trustworthy and inclusive artificial intelligence, including through capacity building and institutional development. Both parties will further exchange on AI governance and innovation aspects. Both parties aim to further cooperate on digital solutions addressing societal challenges, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing competitiveness, including in the field of eSignatures.
16. We agree to further enhance our cooperation in food and water security building on the ongoing cooperation, including through the Food and Resilience Facility for the Southern Neighborhood.
We acknowledge the importance to diversify the suppliers in the main food supply chains to strengthen adaptation and resilience to ensure food security. We recognise the essential need to ensure access to vital resources, expand grain storage capacity and grain production, improve agricultural practices, increase crop resilience, and implement innovative water management strategies. We will collaborate on water-related issues at bilateral, regional, and international levels, including in line with the Joint Declaration on an Egypt-EU Water Partnership (EEWP).
Recognizing Egypt's heavy reliance on the Nile River in a context of its water scarcity, the EU reiterates its support to Egypt's water security and the compliance with international law, including concerning the Ethiopian Dam. The EU strongly encourages transboundary cooperation among riparian countries based on the principles of prior notification, cooperation and “do no harm”.
17. We recall our strong commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement and to limit temperature increase to 1.5° C. In this context, we reconfirm that the parties' NDCs must be in line with the Paris Agreement, and the NDC requirements and must reflect progression. We encourage the submission of adaptation communications.
We express our shared commitment to just transition pathways addressing both socio-economic challenges and opportunities, supported by enabling policy frameworks such as carbon pricing.
18. Recognising the increasing complexity of migration dynamics in the region and the specific challenges posed to Egypt, and guided by the principles of shared responsibility and burden sharing, both sides reaffirm their commitment to a comprehensive approach to migration governance. In light of this shared commitment, the EU commends Egypt for hosting millions of refugees and asylum seekers, and values ongoing cooperation with Egypt in this regard.
The EU and Egypt will continue supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and host communities in full respect of international law and in line with national frameworks. The EU recognizes Egypt's valuable efforts in enhancing its national migration and asylum governance, including the adoption of the National Asylum Law in December 2024, in line with the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
The EU recalls its financial support in the area of migration and mobility amounting to EUR 200 million for 2024-2027. Additionally, both sides will cooperate closely, with a view to creating structured, fair and regular migration pathways that benefit Egypt, migrants and European destination countries, including through the operationalisation of the EU-Egypt Talent Partnership, in line with EU and national competences.
We reiterate our shared commitment to further engage in addressing the root causes of irregular migration. Moreover, we underscore our common interest to continue the strong collaboration on border management to prevent irregular migration, on search and rescue, and on the fight against smuggling of migrants as well as trafficking of human beings along the migratory routes.
We remain committed to our cooperation on returns, readmissions and sustainable reintegration in a manner that is dignified, coordinated, and compliant with national and international obligations, including through exchange of information and sharing of best practices, so as to improve communication and increase efficiency.
19. In the field of Peace, Security, and Defence, preliminary discussions have been opened with a view to establish an EU-Egypt Security and Defence Dialogue. We will continue our dialogue and cooperation in shared priority areas, such as regional and maritime security – including through operations EUNAVFOR Atalanta and EUNAVFOR Aspides - counterterrorism and cybersecurity. This could include joint exercises and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen our response capabilities.
In the field of security, we will continue to cover issues related to law enforcement, border security, countering organised crime, the fight against all forms of smuggling and trafficking, and disinformation campaigns.
We will strengthen our active collaboration in countering terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism conducive to terrorism, notably through the EU-Egypt Counter Terrorism Dialogue. Our co-chairing of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) since May 2023 is also reinforcing our strategic partnership in this field, and has enabled new resources to strengthen global counterterrorism efforts, such as the Brussels Memorandum on Oversight and Accountability in Counter Terrorism.
20. At the Summit, we formalise Egypt's association to Horizon Europe, enabling Egyptian researchers and organisations to participate in all parts of the Horizon Europe programme. It will unlock the ability for Egyptian entities to coordinate projects and support national research reforms as well as institutional capacity-building.
With the association to Horizon Europe, we also guarantee the extended participation to the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) to enhance water management, farming systems and food value chains.
21. Acknowledging the long-standing successful EU-Egypt cooperation on Technical Vocational Training (TVET), we commit to contribute to the TVET reform agenda, provision of the relevant education and skills to youth and adults in Egypt by supporting curricula development and Applied Technology Schools to match with current and future labour market and industry needs. The EU and Egypt will also continue strengthening cooperation under the international dimension of Erasmus+.
22. Given the historical cultural relations between Egypt and the EU, we will work together to enhance our cooperation in the field of cultural and natural heritage conservation, promote sustainable development and climate action, while always respecting the protection and conservation of cultural heritage and reinforce skills and training in related sectors. Both sides underline the importance of strengthened cooperation, in line with relevant international conventions and UNSC resolutions, to protect cultural heritage, disrupt illicit networks, and foster restitution processes in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.
23. Recognising our strategic partnership and commitment to advance our cooperation in all fields, we agreed to hold our next EU-Egypt summit in Egypt in 2027.
Thu, Oct. 23, 2025
