For decades, Egypt has served as a sanctuary for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to flee from conditions of war or poverty.
On Sunday, the European Union disclosed a $8 billion aid package aimed at assisting cash-strapped Egypt. The decision was made amidst growing concerns that economic strains, conflicts, and instability in neighboring nations might lead to an influx of migrants towards European shores.The agreement is set to be signed during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus, and Greece, as confirmed by Egyptian officials.
According to the European Union Mission in Cairo, the aid package for Egypt comprises both grants and loans to be disbursed over the next three years. This support is directed towards the Arab world’s most populous country.
The aid package for Egypt, as confirmed by the European Union Mission in Cairo, consists of a combination of grants and loans that will be distributed over the course of the next three years. This financial support is specifically targeted towards Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world.
According to a document from the EU mission in Egypt, both parties have elevated their collaboration to the status of a “strategic and comprehensive partnership.” This development sets the stage for the expansion of cooperation between Egypt and the EU across a wide range of economic and non-economic domains.
The European Union has pledged assistance to the Egyptian government to strengthen its borders, particularly with Libya, which serves as a significant transit point for migrants escaping poverty and conflicts in Africa and the Middle East. Additionally, the EU will offer support to the Egyptian government in accommodating Sudanese refugees who have fled nearly a year of fighting between rival factions in their country.
