On October 10, 2024, the European Union (EU) and Egypt commenced official negotiations for Egypt’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation program. This development follows the March 17, 2024, visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Egypt, during which both parties signed a Joint Declaration to elevate their relationship to a strategic and comprehensive partnership.
Should these negotiations succeed, Egyptian entities would gain the ability to directly access Horizon Europe funding and coordinate projects, placing them on equal footing with EU Member States. This association would also facilitate support for national research system reforms, enhance institutional capacities, and foster deeper collaborations within existing EU partnerships.
Egypt has been an active participant in policy dialogues with the EU, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the African Union, contributing to the setting of regional research and innovation priorities. Instruments supporting these priorities have been established under Horizon Europe, including dedicated calls such as the “Mediterranean” and “Africa” initiatives.
The initiation of these formal negotiations marks a significant step toward strengthening EU-Egypt cooperation in research and innovation, aligning with shared values and principles in these fields.