Egyptian President in Brussels to attend first Egypt-EU summit
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has arrived in the Belgian capital of Brussels to attend the first ever Egypt-EU summit, according to Asharq Al-Aswat on October 22nd.
The summit signals their improving ties and follows months of steady European financial support for Egypt. According to a former Egyptian diplomat, Cairo and the EU are expected to strengthen their strategic partnership and expand channels of cooperation amid a volatile and rapidly evolving international order.
The diplomat also revealed that regional crises are to be discussed during the meeting, likely alluding to the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza strip, which borders Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
El-Sisi arrived in Brussels on October 21st to head Egypt’s delegation at the summit, which officially commenced on the 22nd.
Presidential spokesman, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, lauded the “historic summit” which “crowns the comprehensive strategic partnership officially launched in Cairo in March 2024.”
When the partnership was first launched, the European Commission described Egypt as a partner that holds a “unique and vital geo-strategic role as a pillar of security, moderation, and peace in the region of the Mediterranean, the Near East and Africa.”
El-Sisi will hold a series of high-status meetings with senior EU officials, various European leaders, and the King of Belgium to establish and strengthen frameworks of cooperation through which common international concerns can be confronted.
Moreover, the visit is set to include a “pivotal economic component”, with a major economic forum to be held in order to explore investment opportunities for Egypt. The EU’s accumulated investments into the Egyptian economy total $44.9 billion, which accounts for around 39% of Egypt’s total foreign direct investment. This makes the bloc Egypt’s largest investor.
According to Euronews on October 22nd, the EU is to announce a $75 million financial support package during the summit which composes one instalment of a macro-economic framework. It was adopted when the strategic partnership was launched and pledged $8.5 billion to be paid to Egypt between 2024-2027.
The EU likely invests so heavily in Egypt as the North African country is seen as a key guarantor of regional stability, which European leaders have a direct interest in maintaining.
Anthony Dworkin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council for Foreign Relations stated that “the risks of instability and migration flows” towards Europe may grow more severe if the Egyptian economy, which has long been under pressure, is allowed to deteriorate further, according to The National on October 21st.
Egypt’s presence and influence on the global stage has grown significantly in recent years, primarily due to its prominent role as mediator amid Israel’s genocidal military campaign in Gaza, which started in late 2023.
The United States regards Cairo as a central player in enforcing US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan due to its proximity to the enclave, advanced military capabilities, and influence over the likes of Hamas.
Due to Cairo’s extensive involvement in post-war Gaza, the EU is reportedly eager to discuss reconstruction plans and bolstering humanitarian support for Palestinians in the territory.
Asharq Al-Aswat, Maghrebi.org, European Commission, Euronews, The National
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