EU and Egypt launch formal talks on association to Horizon Europe

Following the visit of President Ursula von der Leyen to Egypt on 17 March and the signature of the Joint Declaration, in which the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt agreed to elevate their relationship to the level of a strategic and comprehensive partnership, the two sides have now started official negotiations for the association of Egypt to Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme. The beginning of formal negotiations follows the conclusion of exploratory talks, which have been taking place over past months.

If successful, association to Horizon Europe would place Egyptian entities on par with those of EU Member States, allowing them to directly access funding and coordinate projects. It would also enable Egypt to take advantage of measures designed to support national reforms of research systems, enhance institutional capacities and foster deeper collaborations with existing EU partnerships. These negotiations are expected to bring the two sides closer on fundamental research and innovation values and principles.

Egypt participates in policy dialogues between the EU, the Union for the Mediterranean and the African Union, acting as an engaged partner in setting regional priorities for research and innovation. Specific instruments to support these priorities have already been established under Horizon Europe, including dedicated calls such as the “Mediterranean” and an “Africa” initiative.

Next Steps

The first round of talks marks the beginning of the formal negotiation process that may lead to association. The negotiations will proceed in the coming weeks and months. 

Background

The EU-Egypt science and technology cooperation agreement was signed in 2005.The Agreement has provided the general framework for cooperation and acted as a forum for regular discussions on research priorities and areas of common interest ever since. In 2017 Egypt became a Participating State in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), which supports sustainable water and food systems in the Mediterranean. At the regional level, Egypt is a member of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Platform in Research and Innovation which brings together all EU Member States and south and east Mediterranean countries to define strategic orientations for Euro-Med science and technology collaboration. Egypt also takes part in the EU-African Union High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science Technology and Innovation. Following the visit to Egypt of President Von der Leyen and the signature in March 2024 of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, a €7.4 billion financial and investment support package for 2024-2027 has been committed to elevate the bilateral relation including stepping up the cooperation on research and innovation through enhancing Egypt participation in PRIMA and Erasmus+ and supporting Egypt accession to the European Union programmes such as Creative Europe, Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programme.

More information

Science and technology agreement Egypt 

Press contact:

EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation