The European Union has unveiled a significant aid package of $8 billion for Egypt in an effort to support the country's struggling economy and address potential migration pressures. The deal, set to be signed during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several European leaders, includes a combination of grants and loans over the next three years.
The aid package aims to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Egypt, establishing a strategic partnership that will extend to various economic and non-economic sectors. One of the key focuses of the assistance will be on fortifying Egypt's borders, particularly with Libya, to manage the flow of migrants escaping poverty and conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.
Egypt has long been a destination and transit point for migrants seeking refuge, with some using it as a launching pad for the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe. The country faces migratory pressures from the region, compounded by recent conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war.
The aid injection comes at a critical time for Egypt, which has been grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by government austerity measures, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and external factors like the conflict in Ukraine. The deal with the EU follows a similar approach taken with Tunisia and Mauritania, where funds were provided in exchange for border security measures.
While the aid package has drawn criticism from rights groups over Egypt's human rights record, EU officials have defended the partnership, emphasizing the need to engage with countries to improve conditions for both local populations and migrants. The EU's support for Egypt is seen as a step towards addressing economic vulnerabilities and managing migration flows in the region.
