PRESS RELEASE - EUROPEAN COMMISSION

DAILY NEWS

 

 

Brussels, 23/10/2025

 

 

 

Commission presents new funding worth €20 million and outlines progress in strengthening Europe's security of submarine cables

 

In Riga today, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen presented new EU funding opportunities worth €20 million to protect Europe's submarine cables: new funding under the Digital Europe Programme will support the creation of regional cable hubs and stress-testing the resilience of undersea cable infrastructures. In particular, the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre – the EU Central hub for managing cybersecurity funds – is publishing a €10 million call dedicated to the establishment of regional cable hubs. These hubs will monitor threats, apply AI-based analysis for real-time detection, and enable faster incident response. The Nordic-Baltic region will host the first pilot hub.

In addition, a further €10 million call under the Cyber Solidarity Act recently opened, whose funds will boost preparedness and testing of critical infrastructure.

Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “These new EU funding opportunities will help us strengthen the resilience of Europe's submarine cable networks – our digital lifelines. By investing in Regional Cable Hubs and improved stress-testing, we are boosting our capacity to detect, prevent and respond to threats. The new expert report provides the foundation for this work, mapping Europe's cable infrastructure and the main risks we must address together.”

The Executive Vice-President also outlined the progress shown by the Cables Expert Group report, published today, in strengthening Europe's security and resilience of critical submarine cables. The report maps existing and planned infrastructures, assesses risks, and sets stress-testing guidelines. It is a key objective of the EU Action Plan on Cable Security, adopted in February 2025, which covers the full resilience cycle – prevention, detection, response, recovery and deterrence.

To support the pivotal role submarine cables play in maintaining reliable digital connectivity, the EU has already invested €420 million through Connecting Europe Facility Digital in 51 Digital Global Gateway projects, with a new wave of projects to follow soon.  

More information on the report and new funding opportunities is available online.

For more information: Markus Lammert — Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Nika Blazevic – Tel.  + 32 2 299 27 17)

 

EU adopts 19th package of sanctions against Russia

 

The European Commission welcomes the adoption by EU Member States of the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. The new package of sanctions substantially increases the pressure on the Russian war economy, targeting key sectors such as energy, finance, the military industrial base, special economic zones, as well as enablers and profiteers of its war of aggression.   

A total ban on Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and a further clamp-down on the shadow fleet represent the strongest sanctions yet on Russia's crucial energy sector. Strong measures also target financial services and infrastructure (including for the first time crypto), as well as trade. The measures also target the services sector and strengthen anti-circumvention tools. With this package, the number of listed vessels in Russia's shadow fleet reaches a total of 557.

The 19th package contains the following key elements:

ENERGY MEASURES

• Ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as of 1 January 2027 for long-term contracts, and within six months as of the entry into force of the sanctions for short-term contracts.
• Full transaction ban on major companies Rosneft and Gazprom Neft: The new measures eliminate the exemption for Rosneft's and Gazprom Neft's oil and gas imports into the EU. The import of oil from third countries, such as Kazakhstan, and the transport of oil compliant with the Oil Price Cap to third countries, are exempted.
• The EU is also taking measures against important third country operators enabling Russia's revenue streams. This involves sanctioning Chinese entities - two refineries and an oil trader - that are significant buyers of Russian crude oil.
• Import ban on a variant of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG): This measure addresses circumvention, as some Member States report that this variant has been used to bypass existing LPG restrictions.
• 117 additional vessel listings: With these new listings, a total of 557 vessels in Russia's shadow fleet are now listed by the EU. They are subject to a port access ban and a ban on receiving services. The EU continues conducting outreach to flag states to ensure that ship registers do not allow these tankers to sail under their flag.
• Additional sanctions are notably imposed across the shadow fleet value chain, including on Litasco Middle East DMCC, Lukoil's prominent shadow fleet enabler based in the UA, as well as on maritime registries providing false flags to shadow fleet vessels. In addition, 2 oil trading companies in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are added to the scope of the transaction ban.
• Extension of the port infrastructure ban: This will enable the EU to list ports in third countries that are instrumental to the Russian war effort.

The new measures also include additional prohibitions on energy-related services, such as scientific and technical services (for example, geological prospecting and mapping).

FINANCIAL MEASURES

• Banking: 5 new banks in Russia are added to the transaction ban. No EU operator will be able to engage with any of the listed banks directly or indirectly.
• Payments: new bans on Russia's payment card and fast payment system (Mir and SBP). The measures also list 4 new financial institutions in Belarus and Kazakhstan that use the Russian payments system (SPFS).
• Cryptocurrencies and exchanges: The EU is imposing full-fledged sanctions on the developer of a widely used rouble-backed stablecoin A7A5, the Kyrgyz issuer of that coin, and a related major trading platform. For the first time, the new measures also prohibit the use of that cryptocurrency. In addition, the sanctions directly target a cryptocurrency exchange in Paraguay that has played a key role in circumventing existing restrictions. This step marks a significant evolution in the EU's sanctions regime. By addressing the use of stablecoins and offshore exchanges, the EU aims to close loopholes and reinforce the integrity of its financial sanctions framework.
• Crypto services: EU operators are banned from providing crypto services and certain fintech services that enable Russia to develop its own financial infrastructure and possibly circumvent sanctions.
• Transactions: The package introduces transaction bans on 5 third-country banks in Central Asia that support Russia's war economy and frustrate the effectiveness of our sanctions. EU operators are banned from carrying out transactions with any of those financial operators.

TRADE MEASURES

The package expands export restrictions and bans to further disrupt and weaken Russia's military-industrial complex. These include:

• Individual sanctions (‘listings') of businesspersons and companies forming part of the Russian military-industrial complex, and operators from UAE and China producing or supplying military and dual-use goods to Russia.
• New export restrictions on additional dual-use items and advanced technologies, including metals for the construction of weapon systems and products used in the preparation of propellants, not yet under sanctions.
• New export bans on items such as salts and ores, constructions materials and articles of rubber, corresponding to a value of EUR 155 million of EU exports in 2024 prices.

ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION MEASURES

• This package adds 45 entities to the list of those providing direct or indirect support to Russia's military industrial complex or engaged in sanctions circumvention. This includes 28 established in Russia and 17 in third countries (12 in China, including Hong Kong, 3 in India and 2 in Thailand).

OTHER MEASURES

• Measures targeting Russia's Special Economic Zones (SEZs): These zones are designed to attract foreign investment and play a critical role in driving economic growth and infrastructure development. To make it clear that EU businesses should stay away, the package proposes a prohibition on entering into new contracts with any entity established within certain Russian SEZs. In addition, two of these SEZs – Alabuga and Technopolis Moscow – will be subject to a ban that applies also to existing contracts. This decision – essentially forcing divestment – reflects the documented focus of these two zones on activities that contribute to the war effort.
• Service bans: As part of the new measures, the EU introduces service bans blocking Russian access to advanced digital capabilities within the Union, including certain space-based services and AI services. In parallel, the existing targeted ban on services to the Russian government will be reinforced. A new requirement for prior authorisation will apply to any non-prohibited services to the Russian government, ensuring that all such activities are subject to strict scrutiny and oversight.
• Prohibition of re-insurance: The new measures prohibit re-insurance services regarding vessels and aircraft of the Russian government or Russian persons for up to five years after their sale to third countries.
• Russian diplomats: The new measures introduce an obligation for Russian diplomats, travelling across the EU beyond their country of accreditation, to inform the relevant EU Member State in advance. EU Member States may impose an authorisation requirement on Russian diplomats for traveling to their territories, based on visas or residence permits issued by another state. This measure is meant to tackle the increasingly hostile intelligence activities that support Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
• Ukrainian children: The EU is reinforcing accountability of those involved in abduction, forced assimilation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children by listing 11 additional individuals. In order to streamline future sanctions on persons responsible for the abduction, forced assimilation and militarised education of Ukrainian minors, the Council is also introducing a new listing criterion.

BELARUS

• The package mirrors all trade-related provisions in the Belarus sanctions regime as per previous practice. The Council also decided on five new listings related to the Belarusian military-industrial complex and the Lukashenka regime.

For more information

Official Journal

More information on sanctions

EU Sanctions Helpdesk

Quote(s)

 

 We have just adopted our 19th package of sanctions. It targets Russian energy, banks, crypto exchanges, and entities in China, among others. The EU is also regulating the movements of Russian diplomats to counter attempts at destabilisation. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Putin to finance his war. Every euro we deny Russia is one it cannot spend on war. The 19th package will not be the last. 

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

 

 With this 19th package we are deploying a very wide range of additional measures to weaken Russia’s faltering economy even further. A ban on LNG will hit where it hurts most, while additional measures on financial services – including crypto – and stronger anti-circumvention measures will also have a strong impact. The breadth and depth of these measures highlight our tireless resolve to go the extra mile in support of Ukraine. We will continue developing and deploying new measures for as long as it takes. 

Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

 

 Europe has made a historic decision. We will stop all imports of Russian LNG by the end of 2026 and crack down on the oil shadow fleet. This is an unprecedented move that the EU makes in unity and full solidarity with Ukraine. It will deal a major blow to Putin's war machine and sustain peace efforts for Kyiv. Europe must regain its energy independence. Ukraine must prevail. 

Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing

 

 

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu in Estonia to discuss social and skills investments

 

Today, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, will be in Tallinn, Estonia, to discuss how the Commission can strengthen EU competitiveness through investments in people, skills and social inclusion.

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu will meet Minister of Economy and Industry, Erkki Keldo, to discuss upcoming actions, including the Quality Jobs Roadmap and the Fair Labour Mobility Package. She will then exchange views with Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, on social earmarking in the next EU budget. In the afternoon, the Executive Vice-President will meet Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, to discuss how to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; AI and the future of education, and how to boost vocational education and training. She will also hold a round table with representatives of the Estonian start-up community on how to remove regulatory obstacles to innovative companies in the single market.

On Friday, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu will engage with Estonian social partners on quality jobs, social dialogue, and skills development through the Union of Skills. She will also meet with Minister of Social Affairs, Karmen Joller, to discuss upcoming initiatives such as Anti-Poverty Strategy and Child Guarantee, and former President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid to exchange on a ‘Democracy Academy' project and critical media and digital literacy education in society.

(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)  

 

Commissioner Albuquerque visits Italy for high-level talks on the Savings and Investments Union and financial integration

 

Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, is visiting Italy this week until tomorrow. The Commissioner will engage with Italian senior leaders, financial sector stakeholders, civil society and students — with stops in both Milan and Rome.

Yesterday in Milan, the Commissioner participated in events at the Bocconi University, discussing the role of financial markets in Europe's future. During her visit to Rome, Commissioner Albuquerque will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani and Governor of Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta. Other notable meetings include talks with Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance, and with the President of the Italian Companies and Exchange Commission (CONSOB). The Commissioner will also meet with representatives from various financial industry stakeholders and business associations both in Milan and in Rome, including the Italian main association of manufacturing enterprises Confindustria, the Italian banking association ABI, Italy's stock market exchange Borsa Italiana and the Italian asset managers' association Assogestioni, among others.

At the heart of the visit is the Savings and Investments Union, which aims to create better financial opportunities for citizens and businesses by enhancing our financial system's capability to connect savings with productive investments. Discussions will focus on reforms needed to make the SIU a reality, including further developing the supplementary pensions sector and advancing market integration.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero - Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

 

Egypt becomes second African country to join Horizon Europe

 

Egypt has officially joined Horizon Europe, becoming the second African country associated to the EU's multibillion-euro research and innovation (R&I) programme. This grants Egyptian researchers, universities, innovators and entities access to all parts of the programme on similar terms to those of EU Member States. It enables them to lead projects, contribute to cutting-edge research, and support national research reforms and institutional capacity-building.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “People are at the core of the EU-Egypt partnership — supporting them to develop their talents, ideas, and skills. Egypt's association to Horizon Europe will create opportunities for cutting-edge projects and innovations. These developments will be in vital research areas like water management, sustainable farming, and food security, bringing tangible benefits to our societies.”

The agreement was signed today at the EU–Egypt Summit in Brussels by EU Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, and the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, in the presence of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. This milestone builds on the long-standing EU-Egypt cooperative relationship, providing a platform for strengthened partnership in tackling global challenges, from digital transformation to climate action. It also strengthens regional research and innovation collaboration.

The agreement extends Egypt's participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) to enhance water management, farming systems and food value chains.

R&I cooperation with Egypt

Egypt has long been a trusted partner in research and innovation cooperation with the EU, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the African Union. This evolving partnership builds on the 2005 EU–Egypt Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement and Egypt's participation in initiatives such as the PRIMA.

In April 2025, the EU and Egypt successfully concluded negotiations on Egypt's association to Horizon Europe, reinforcing Egypt's research and innovation capacities and strengthening its role in regional and international scientific collaboration.

Background

With a budget of €93.5 billion for 2021-27, Horizon Europe is the EU's key funding programme for research and innovation. It tackles climate change, supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU's competitiveness and growth.

To date,  21 countries are associated to Horizon Europe, either based on their membership of the European Economic Area (EEA); as acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates; as European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries; or as other third countries and territories that fulfil a set of criteria related to their economic, political and research and innovation systems.

For more information

Horizon Europe

International cooperation with Egypt in research and innovation

Europe's Global Approach to Research and Innovation

*Updated on 23/10/2025

Quote(s)

 

 People are at the core of the EU-Egypt partnership — supporting them to develop their talents, ideas, and skills. Egypt’s association to Horizon Europe will create opportunities for cutting-edge projects and innovations. These developments will be in vital research areas like water management, sustainable farming, and food security, bringing tangible benefits to our societies. 

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

 

 Egypt’s association to Horizon Europe opens a new chapter in our trusted partnership. Our researchers will work side by side to develop solutions that advance science, innovation, and shared progress across the Mediterranean region. 

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

 

Joint Statement EU–Egypt Summit

 

We, the leaders of the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt (hereinafter Egypt), held our first EU-Egypt Summit in Brussels, Belgium on 22 October 2025 and concluded the following:

1. Today's Summit marks a significant milestone in the deepening of EU–Egypt relations, building on the Association Agreement, our Partnership Priorities and the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP). We reaffirm our shared commitment to long-term stability, peace, security, and prosperity as well as to the universal values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We emphasise our shared ambition to further deepen long-term strategic ties, cooperate in addressing our many global and regional common challenges, promote joint interests and renew partnership priorities. The Summit recognises Egypt's essential role in promoting stability through peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts in the region.
2. The EU and Egypt underline that peace, security and the rules-based international order are at the heart of their longstanding partnership. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, and to upholding international law, including the law of the sea. We underscore the necessity of reinforcing effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order with the UN at its core, committing to collaborate closely in addressing global challenges and finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, we confirm our support to the implementation of the UN Pact for the Future, the ambitious reforms sought under the UN80 initiative and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We condemn all violations and abuses of international law, including international humanitarian law, and call for its strict respect.
3. The EU and Egypt welcome the agreement reached on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict put forward by President Trump, as well as the outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace held on 13 October. We call on all sides to continue working on the implementation of the Plan, welcoming Egypt's mediation efforts in this regard. As we remain deeply concerned over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, we call for safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access and for the restoration of essential services, including in particular medical infrastructure. Guaranteeing the provision of full humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, with a central role for the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, constitutes a core EU and Egyptian priority. We reiterate our firm commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-State solution, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the New York Declaration, with the State of Israel and a sovereign viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition. We remain concerned by the situation in the West Bank, recalling our condemnation, in the strongest terms, of settler violence, the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law, and which all further undermine the two-State solution. We strongly reject any attempts of annexation or of any form of individual or collective displacement, forced or otherwise, of Palestinians from any part of the occupied territory. We will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda, as well as its security forces. We support the creation of a temporary, technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee and stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. Hamas must end its rule in Gaza, in accordance with the “One State, one law, one government, one gun” policy of the Palestinian Authority. We underscore our commitment towards the reconstruction and recovery of Gaza, including through the international conference which will be hosted by Egypt once a lasting ceasefire is in place, and through the Palestine Donor Group.
4. On Ukraine, we recall the UN General Assembly Resolutions ES-11/1, ES-11/2, ES 11/4, ES- 11/6 and ES-11/7 and in this context reiterate the obligation of all States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force. We underscore the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We underline the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts and the respect international humanitarian law, recalling our commitment to upholding accountability for serious violations of international law. We reaffirm our support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
5. We support the UN efforts in Libya and UNSMIL's roadmap to ensure peace, stability, sovereignty, and unity in the country. A Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process should lead to the reunification of all institutions, and presidential and parliamentary elections should be held within a specific timeframe. We also emphasise the necessity for the reunification of all Libyan armed and security forces and the withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya.
6. We underscore the importance of coordinated international engagement to address the root causes of instability in the Horn of Africa, including the impact of climate change, displacement, and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. We reaffirm our support for post conflict reconstruction and development efforts in Africa, and in this regard appreciate the role of the AU Centre for Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development hosted in Cairo. We reiterate our call for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan. All concerned parties should engage constructively in an inclusive Sudanese-owned and led political process. We also stress the need for sustained and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese population, and for scaling up humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries. We reaffirm our support to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan. We assert our support for the efforts of regional and international actors, including the QUAD and the African Union, to find a political solution to the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. We support the continued efforts of the authorities of the Federal Republic of Somalia to advance state-building and security sector reform. We express grave concern over the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and reiterate our commitment to Somalia's security transition acknowledging the EU's support to successive AU-led missions in Somalia. We welcome the launch of the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with Egypt's planned participation in this Mission, and stress the need for diversification of support by international partners, including new donors.
7. Maritime security and the freedom of navigation need to be protected in the Red Sea, to the benefit of international security and trade. We recognise the role played by the EU military operations EUNAVFOR Aspides and Atalanta in this regard. Bearing in mind that recent regional instability has led to diverted navigation routes and significantly reduced revenues for Egypt from the Suez Canal, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region, anchored in respect for international law and regional cooperation.
8. We welcome the Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims to unlock new opportunities, address common challenges, and move together towards a partnership based on mutual trust and respect, joint responsibility, co-ownership and co-creation. Together we will build the region's resilience and create new opportunities for young people, women, small business and entrepreneurs to guarantee long-term stability.
9. Rule of law, human rights and inclusive governance play an indispensable role in fostering stability, sustainable development and peace. We welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen the rule of law according to international standards. We will strengthen our dialogue and enhance our cooperation on human rights for all in a comprehensive manner, with particular attention to people in vulnerable situations, including the rights of women and girls, and with a view to ensuring all rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of association, among others. We will strengthen cooperation on inclusive, effective and accountable governance by supporting the ongoing policies to enhance public institutions and capacities to further develop inclusive policies, as well as to modernise public services, and combat corruption. Civil society plays an important role in the implementation of our Association Agreement and partnership. We agreed on the important role that civil society also plays in achieving Egypt's Vision 2030 and national strategies for economic development and social empowerment.
10. Acknowledging the socioeconomic impact of regional crises on Egypt, the EU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts towards achieving macro-economic stability and resilience, through a support package of EUR 7.4 billion underpinning the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, as announced in March 2024. It consists of EUR 5 billion in concessional loans, EUR 1.8 billion of additional investments to be mobilised and EUR 600 million in grants. The recent Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) provides vital financial support, accompanying Egypt's reform agenda particularly to stabilise its economy in close cooperation with the ongoing International Monetary Fund programme, and in accordance with the shared commitments as stated in Decision (EU) 2025/1267.
11. Increased cooperation and economic reforms will enhance Egypt's trade and investment environment further. Over the past twenty years, we have enhanced access for Egyptian exports to the European market, significantly increasing trade volumes and encouraging diversification of the Egyptian economy through our Association Agreement. We will continue to effectively implement the free trade area, explore ways to modernise the agreement with a view to better adapting it to today's challenges, and to enable conducive environments for trade and investments. Our joint efforts to mobilise private sector investments, exemplified by the EU- Egypt Investment Conference in 2024 and the High Level Event on investments, innovation and skills held in the margins of the Summit, aim to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Egypt, effectively promoting job creation and a more dynamic and resilient economy, to the benefit of Egyptian citizens, as well as businesses and entrepreneurs. We pledge to further strengthen investment ties and continue our bilateral engagement towards a Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA). We acknowledge the importance of the multilateral trading system and the need for deep reforms of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). We commit to support integrating the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO.
12. The EU-Egypt Investment Mechanism will facilitate mobilisation of up to EUR 5 billion in investments until 2027 through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). Furthermore, the EU and Egypt are committed to position their partnership at the forefront of the green transition in the Mediterranean, in the framework of the Trans- Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED).
13. On energy, the EU and Egypt have a common and converging strategic interest in the rapid transition towards low-emissions and climate-resilient economies, in order to unleash the huge renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind, as well as the strengthening of grid and cross-border energy infrastructure (contributing to Egypt's flagship initiative on Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE). Safe and sustainable low carbon power generation, including renewables, energy efficiency, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) solutions, and cross-border energy connectivity, provide opportunities to ensure secure, affordable and sustainable energy for our countries. We commit to develop the technologies and regulatory conditions that can lead our countries to thriving safe and sustainable renewable and other low-carbon energy industries and bring many benefits for all, notably sustainable, secure and affordable energy, job creation and industrial growth. Our energy cooperation will also include exploring opportunities for the reduction, recovery and commercialisation of methane emissions in our energy cooperation. On transport, we commit to enhancing connectivity while reducing emissions, in line with agreements reached in international fora, including IMO and ICAO.
14. We reaffirm our commitment to accelerate the global green transition, recognising its crucial role in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development and ensuring a prosperous future for all. Through our partnership, we will continue to promote innovation, the transition to a resource-efficient, circular economy and environmentally friendly practices. We will continue to jointly explore solutions to address global plastic pollution. By prioritising investments in key sectors, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, water, wastewater and waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies, the EU is supporting Egypt's green transition and enhancing its resilience to climate change, as also reflected in the EU's support for grid and cross-border connectivity projects such as the NWFE Electricity Grid Reinforcement, the modernization of the Alexandria Area Control Centre, and the GREGY Interconnector.
15. The EU and Egypt reaffirm their commitment to cooperate in the fields of digital transformation, to mobilise investments into trusted, secure digital connectivity and data infrastructures and to advance cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data economy, talent development and digital skills. The EU and Egypt discussed ways to advance trustworthy and inclusive artificial intelligence, including through capacity building and institutional development. Both parties will further exchange on AI governance and innovation aspects. Both parties aim to further cooperate on digital solutions addressing societal challenges, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing competitiveness, including in the field of eSignatures.
16. We agree to further enhance our cooperation in food and water security building on the ongoing cooperation, including through the Food and Resilience Facility for the Southern Neighborhood. We acknowledge the importance to diversify the suppliers in the main food supply chains to strengthen adaptation and resilience to ensure food security. We recognise the essential need to ensure access to vital resources, expand grain storage capacity and grain production, improve agricultural practices, increase crop resilience, and implement innovative water management strategies. We will collaborate on water-related issues at bilateral, regional, and international levels, including in line with the Joint Declaration on an Egypt-EU Water Partnership (EEWP). Recognizing Egypt's heavy reliance on the Nile River in a context of its water scarcity, the EU reiterates its support to Egypt's water security and the compliance with international law, including concerning the Ethiopian Dam. The EU strongly encourages transboundary cooperation among riparian countries based on the principles of prior notification, cooperation and “do no harm”.
17. We recall our strong commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement and to limit temperature increase to 1.5° C. In this context, we reconfirm that the parties' NDCs must be in line with the Paris Agreement, and the NDC requirements and must reflect progression. We encourage the submission of adaptation communications. We express our shared commitment to just transition pathways addressing both socio-economic challenges and opportunities, supported by enabling policy frameworks such as carbon pricing.
18. Recognising the increasing complexity of migration dynamics in the region and the specific challenges posed to Egypt, and guided by the principles of shared responsibility and burden sharing, both sides reaffirm their commitment to a comprehensive approach to migration governance. In light of this shared commitment, the EU commends Egypt for hosting millions of refugees and asylum seekers, and values ongoing cooperation with Egypt in this regard. The EU and Egypt will continue supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and host communities in full respect of international law and in line with national frameworks. The EU recognizes Egypt's valuable efforts in enhancing its national migration and asylum governance, including the adoption of the National Asylum Law in December 2024, in line with the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The EU recalls its financial support in the area of migration and mobility amounting to EUR 200 million for 2024-2027. Additionally, both sides will cooperate closely, with a view to creating structured, fair and regular migration pathways that benefit Egypt, migrants and European destination countries, including through the operationalisation of the EU-Egypt Talent Partnership, in line with EU and national competences. We reiterate our shared commitment to further engage in addressing the root causes of irregular migration. Moreover, we underscore our common interest to continue the strong collaboration on border management to prevent irregular migration, on search and rescue, and on the fight against smuggling of migrants as well as trafficking of human beings along the migratory routes. We remain committed to our cooperation on returns, readmissions and sustainable reintegration in a manner that is dignified, coordinated, and compliant with national and international obligations, including through exchange of information and sharing of best practices, so as to improve communication and increase efficiency.
19. In the field of Peace, Security, and Defence, preliminary discussions have been opened with a view to establish an EU-Egypt Security and Defence Dialogue. We will continue our dialogue and cooperation in shared priority areas, such as regional and maritime security – including through operations EUNAVFOR Atalanta and EUNAVFOR Aspides - counterterrorism and cybersecurity. This could include joint exercises and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen our response capabilities. In the field of security, we will continue to cover issues related to law enforcement, border security, countering organised crime, the fight against all forms of smuggling and trafficking, and disinformation campaigns. We will strengthen our active collaboration in countering terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism conducive to terrorism, notably through the EU-Egypt Counter Terrorism Dialogue. Our co-chairing of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) since May 2023 is also reinforcing our strategic partnership in this field, and has enabled new resources to strengthen global counterterrorism efforts, such as the Brussels Memorandum on Oversight and Accountability in Counter Terrorism.
20. At the Summit, we formalise Egypt's association to Horizon Europe, enabling Egyptian researchers and organisations to participate in all parts of the Horizon Europe programme. It will unlock the ability for Egyptian entities to coordinate projects and support national research reforms as well as institutional capacity-building. With the association to Horizon Europe, we also guarantee the extended participation to the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) to enhance water management, farming systems and food value chains.
21. Acknowledging the long-standing successful EU-Egypt cooperation on Technical Vocational Training (TVET), we commit to contribute to the TVET reform agenda, provision of the relevant education and skills to youth and adults in Egypt by supporting curricula development and Applied Technology Schools to match with current and future labour market and industry needs. The EU and Egypt will also continue strengthening cooperation under the international dimension of Erasmus+.
22. Given the historical cultural relations between Egypt and the EU, we will work together to enhance our cooperation in the field of cultural and natural heritage conservation, promote sustainable development and climate action, while always respecting the protection and conservation of cultural heritage and reinforce skills and training in related sectors. Both sides underline the importance of strengthened cooperation, in line with relevant international conventions and UNSC resolutions, to protect cultural heritage, disrupt illicit networks, and foster restitution processes in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.
23. Recognising our strategic partnership and commitment to advance our cooperation in all fields, we agreed to hold our next EU-Egypt summit in Egypt in 2027.

 

Annex – Areas of sectorial cooperation

In the margins of the Summit

1.  
   • Formalisation of the signature of the recently approved Memorandum of Understanding underpinning the EUR 4 billion Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA).

1.  
   • Joint Statement on the Financing Agreement on “EU support to the implementation of socio- economic reforms at local level” (EUR 75 million).

1.  
   • Signature of Egypt's association with Horizon Europe for Egyptian researchers and organisations to participate in all parts of the programme.

1.  
   • Announcement of EU financial support in 2025 to advance sustainable development, strengthen economic governance, reinforce Technical Vocational Training (TVET), and boost skills for future jobs (EUR 110.5 million).

1.  
   • Announcement of EU financial support for investment projects in 2025 to support Egypt's green transition, including targeting the private sector (EUR 50 million).

1.  
   • Announcement of the operationalisation of key EU-funded projects under the EUR 200 million package foreseen under this pillar of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, with first concrete actions starting in 2025/2026.

The way ahead of EU-Egypt cooperation

Green transition and energy cooperation

1.  
   • Launching a comprehensive analytical study assessing policy options, including appropriate carbon pricing instruments and schemes, to strengthen Egypt's position in the low-carbon economy, leading to strategic recommendations to inform a future climate-compatible trade strategy.

1.  
   • Commitment to the Blue Economy to promote sustainable use of marine resources and fostering economic growth.

Trade and investments

1.  
   • Commitment to continue bilateral engagement towards a possible Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) complementing the existing Association Agreement in the context of the modernisation of trade and investment relations.

1.  
   • Announcement of joint support for the plurilateral initiative for an Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, with Egypt joining as co-sponsor of the request for the Agreement's legal integration into the WTO rulebook.

1.  
   • Following-up on the EU-Egypt investment conference of 2024, showcasing progress in the implementation of investment deals, with a focus on Egypt's green transition sectors and clean tech. As part of these efforts, announce plans to co-organise a business/investor roundtable in 2026 to showcase investment opportunities available through the Investment Mechanism¹.

Migration and mobility

1.  
   • Continuing addressing irregular migration in a coordinated and responsible manner as well as supporting transition towards a national-led asylum system fully respecting the rights of migrants and refugees, in accordance with relevant international legal norms and standards.

1.  
   • Continuing cooperation in order to support Egypt's efforts in hosting refugees, as set out in the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.

1.  
   • Enhancing the commitment for the creation of mutually beneficial, structured and safe pathways ensuring legal migration, especially by supporting the operationalization of the ongoing Talent Partnership and in line with EU and national competences.

1.  
   • Taking stock of projects tackling root causes of irregular migration in Egypt, funded under EU Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), in view of future support under the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.

1.  
   • Reaffirm a commitment to enhance cooperation on legal migration, mobility and skills development, in line with national competences, including in the context of the EU-Egypt Talent Partnership and announcement of the Second Talent Partnership Roundtable.

1.  
   • Strengthening cooperation on border management, especially at Egypt's air and land borders, and search and rescue capacities, including through the delivery of dedicated equipment and targeted capacity building support, and where appropriate cooperation with Frontex, including on document fraud.

1.  
   • Enhancing support to capacity building and cooperation to counter migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings and continuing the Migration Dialogue and participation of Egypt in the second conference of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling in December 2025.

1.  
   • Strengthening cooperation in the field of return, readmission and sustainable reintegration in a manner that is dignified, coordinated, and compliant with national and international obligations, including through exchange of information and sharing of best practices, so as to improve communication and increase efficiency.

Security and Justice

1.  
   • Preliminary discussions with a view to establish an EU-Egypt Security and Defence Dialogue.

1.  
   • Following-up on the first Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, agreement to launch the second round in early 2026 while ensuring its sustainability and operationalisation through reinforced project cooperation.

1.  
   • Start of the implementation of the first European Peace Facility assistance measure to the benefit of the Egyptian Armed Forces and continue the identification process in view of a possible second assistance measure.

1.  
   • Operationalisation of the working arrangement signed between Europol and the Ministry of Interior of Egypt in 2025.

1.  
   • Following-up to the 3rd Egypt-EU Senior Official Meeting on Security with the Egyptian Ministry of Interior, focusing on countering organised crime, cooperation with EU Agencies and European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).

1.  
   • Engagement in negotiations with the EU on an international agreement on cooperation with Eurojust to enhance judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

1.  
   • Launch a preparatory dialogue towards negotiations of a working arrangement and an international agreement on cooperation between the Egyptian authorities and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).

1.  
   • Explore cooperation in cybersecurity capabilities and combatting cybercrime.

1.  
   • Explore the possible accession of Egypt to Hague Conventions, in the field of civil and commercial law matters and in the field of family law.

1.  
   • Egypt's access to the EU-funded CRIMARIO project's IORIS platform on Maritime Domain Awareness, including training by the end of 2025.

Demography and human capital

1.  
   • Finalisation of the deployment of the MEDUSA sub-marine fibre inter-connection, with a landing site in Port Said in Egypt to be ready in 2027.

1.  
   • Announcement of Egypt's membership to the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, a multi- stakeholder platform to improve the quality, supply and image of apprenticeships as well as the mobility of apprentices.

[1] Investment Mechanism is linked to the Egyptian platform HAFIZ: EFSD - Hub for Advisory, Finance & Investment for Enterprises - حـاِفـــز منصة