Policy background
The general framework of the cooperation between the EU and Egypt is set by the Association Agreement which was signed in 2001 and entered into force in 2004.
The EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities (PPs) 2021 - 2027, adopted in June 2022 set the framework of cooperation on a range of domains, including digital transformation, research and innovation, culture and the preservation of cultural heritage. The focus on youth is a cross cutting issue throughout the Partnership Priorities, promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for the young.
On a regional level, the EU cooperates with Egypt in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and its Southern dimension, the Renewed partnership with Southern Neighbourhood– A new Agenda for the Mediterranean.
Science and Technology Agreements and Arrangements
The EU-Egypt science and technology cooperation agreement, which was signed in 2005 and entered into force in 2008, set the main priorities of the EU-Egypt cooperation in research and innovation on food security and the water-food-energy nexus. The Science and Technology Agreement is steered by a Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee.
Cooperation in research and innovation under the agreement takes place within the political frameworks of the EU’s new Agenda for the Mediterranean the Global Approach to Research and Innovation adopted in May 2021 that sets out the EU’s vision for future international research and innovation cooperation and prioritises the Mediterranean Region.
At a regional level, Egypt is a member of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Platform in Research and Innovation which brings together all EU both south and east Mediterranean countries to define strategic orientations for Euro-Med science and technology collaboration.
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.
Egypt also takes also part in the High Level Policy Dialogue with Africa.
Areas of cooperation
On 25 November 2021, on the occasion of the 8th EU-Egypt Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee the two sides acknowledged the progress of research and innovation EU-Egypt cooperation under Horizon 2020, the European neighbourhood instrument (ENI), the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) and BLUEMED. The next JSTCC is foreseen for early 2024 in Brussels.
The Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Research and Innovation, that took place on 27 June 2022, endorsed research and innovation roadmaps around 3 priorities: Health, Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
Cooperation and funding opportunities
Horizon Europe is open to the world, which means that participants from all over the world can participate in most calls. The EU can fund the participation in Horizon Europe collaborative research actions of entities established in EU Member States, in countries Associated to Horizon Europe, and in low and middle income countries, including Egypt .
Almost all calls in the Horizon Europe 2023-2024 work programme are open to Egyptian participation. Cooperation with the Mediterranean region is further highlighted through a Mediterranean Initiative, which encourages cooperation with Mediterranean partners in certain topics of the work programme.
In addition, Egyptian entities are eligible for EU financial through the European Research Council and Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions.
European Research Council
The European Research Council offers grants to researchers in all research domains for frontier research. Egyptian researchers are welcome to apply and if selected are eligible for funding to establish a research group in Europe. Grants are available for researchers starting or consolidating their independent career and for advanced researchers.
Synergy grants are also available, where a group of 2-4 Principal Investigators (PIs) may include one PI outside the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe, to tackle together an ambitious research problem, with all funded by the ERC.
Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions
Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions offer fellowships for post-doctoral researchers from Egypt (and other countries) to spend up to 2 years in a European group – or for European researchers to spend up to 2 years in an Egyptian group. Also offers opportunities for Egyptian institutions to participate in Doctoral Training Networks and Staff Exchange consortia.
Project and results
EU-funded research projects involving Egypt
You can also visit the Horizon Dashboard, which is a one-stop shop for data and statistics on the EU Research and Innovation Programmes – from FP1 to Horizon Europe.
Contact
National Contact Points
The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.
Research enquiry service
You can contact the research enquiry service to find out more about research in Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programmes as well as calls for proposals and project funding.
European Commission
DG Research and Innovation unit F.2: International cooperation
Euraxess Africa
Euraxess Africaprovides access to a complete range of information and support services for researchers in African countries wishing to pursue a research career in Europe or looking for collaboration opportunities through Horizon Europe.