On October 22nd, the European Commission has announced that Egypt has become the second African country to associate with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation framework programme. This strategic step further strengthens Euro-Mediterranean scientific collaboration and reinforces the shared commitment to addressing global challenges through research and innovation.
With this agreement, Egyptian researchers, universities, and organisations will now have full access to apply for Horizon Europe funding opportunities. The association opens new avenues for cooperation in fields such as climate and environmental sustainability, health, energy, food systems, and digital transformation.
Egypt has long been an active partner in research and innovation cooperation with the European Union, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the African Union. According to the European Commission, Egypt’s participation “reflects the EU’s ambition to build a global research area that leverages talent and knowledge across borders.” The agreement is expected to accelerate joint innovation initiatives and strengthen scientific ties between Europe and its Southern Neighbourhood.
For Egypt, association to Horizon Europe marks a major step forward in enhancing its research and innovation ecosystem, increasing the international visibility of its scientific community, and advancing national priorities in sustainability and technological development.