Dr. Nevine Abdel Khalek, Board Member of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association and Assistant Secretary of the Heritage Committee at the National Front Party, affirmed that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to the European Parliament and the convening of the first Egypt–European Union Summit represent a historic milestone and a new economic and political achievement for President El-Sisi.
She emphasized that the event reflects a strategic shift in Egypt–EU relations and demonstrates the political leadership’s commitment to diversifying sources of investment.
Dr. Abdel Khalek added that this visit — the first of its kind by an Egyptian President — underscores the depth of the economic and political partnership between the two sides.
She noted that the first Egypt–EU Summit serves as an important new chapter in the course of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, reaffirming Egypt’s position as a central economic and investment hub in the region.
The summit also highlights promising opportunities for cooperation in energy, industry, transport, and technology, alongside the signing of new agreements in areas such as trade, investment, and scientific and technological collaboration.
Egypt Joins “Horizon Europe” – A Milestone in Scientific Cooperation
In a related context, Dr. Abdel Khalek — who also chairs the Sustainable Development Committee at the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association — praised Egypt’s accession to the “Horizon Europe” program, the EU’s flagship research and innovation initiative designed to support projects that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She explained that Egypt’s participation enables Egyptian researchers and institutions to take part fully in the program, enhancing scientific collaboration, knowledge exchange, and access to European research infrastructure.
Dr. Abdel Khalek noted that Egypt has become the second African country, after Tunisia, to join the program. This participation was formalized during the Egypt–EU Summit in October 2025, following the conclusion of negotiations in April 2025.
She highlighted that the program’s budget amounts to €93.5 billion for the period 2021–2027, making it the largest research and innovation funding program in the European Union.
The initiative allows Egyptian researchers and institutions to lead projects and benefit from scientific partnerships across academia, industry, and civil society.
Dr. Abdel Khalek emphasized that the program’s goals include supporting Europe’s climate change efforts, achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and enhancing global competitiveness.
Finally, she asserted that this partnership strengthens scientific and innovation ties between Egypt and the European Union and supports Egypt’s National Innovation Strategy, marking another step toward sustainable development and international scientific integration.
