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.
Association to Horizon Europe
Egypt officially joined Horizon Europe on 22 October 2025 with the signing of the Association Agreement unlocking new opportunities for scientific collaboration and becoming the second African country to take part in the EU’s multibillion-euro research and innovation funding programme. As a result of association, Egyptian entities have access to all parts of the Horizon Europe programme on similar terms with EU Member States. They can now join and/or lead research consortia and be funded directly from the programme, enabling them to contribute to cutting-edge research and tackle global challenges as well as engage in initiatives supporting national research reforms and institutional capacity-building.
The association to Horizon Europe also guarantees the extended participation of Egypt to the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) to enhance water management, farming systems and food value chains.
The Association Agreement was signed on the margins of the EU–Egypt Summit by Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, and H.E Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Egyptian Minister of foreign affairs in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
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 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
As a result of Egypt’s Association to Horizon Europe, Egyptian entities can apply for and be evaluated as ‘beneficiaries’ (i.e. on equivalent terms as Member State and Associated state entities) in Horizon Europe for all calls implementing budget appropriations from 2025 onward.
This applies to all pillars of Horizon Europe: Pillar I (Excellent Science); Pillar II (Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness) and Pillar III (Innovative Europe).
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
RTD-04-ASSIST
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DG Research and Innovation unit 04: International cooperation)
Euraxess Africa
Euraxess Africa provides 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.
Documents
International agreement between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the participation of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Union programme Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027).