The European Union has announced a substantial 7.4 billion-euro aid package for Egypt in an effort to address economic challenges and conflicts that could potentially lead to increased migration to Europe. The aid package, which includes grants and loans to be dispersed over the next three years, is primarily focused on providing macro-financial assistance to Egypt.
The agreement, which was signed in Cairo by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with leaders from Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus, and Greece in attendance, aims to promote democracy, fundamental freedoms, human rights, and gender equality in Egypt. Additionally, the deal seeks to address challenges related to migration and terrorism in the region.
As part of the aid package, the EU will be assisting Egypt in fortifying its borders, supporting Sudanese refugees, and helping to manage migration pressures from the area. However, the deal has faced criticism from international rights groups concerning Egypt’s human rights record, with calls for clear benchmarks to be set for human rights in the country.
The European Commission has defended the partnership with Egypt, citing it as a way to collaborate with countries in order to improve conditions for both local populations and migrants. This deal follows a similar template used with Tunisia and Mauritania, where funds were pledged in exchange for border fortification.
Despite the concerns raised about human rights abuses, the EU believes that working with Egypt on these issues will ultimately benefit both the country and migrants in the long run.
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