Egypt becomes the second country in Africa to officially join the Horizon Europe program, marking a historic step in the country’s research and innovation ambitions.
The agreement, signed during the EU-Egypt summit in Brussels, opens new opportunities for Egyptian researchers, universities and innovators to collaborate with European researchers through Horizon Europe on an equal footing with EU member states.
Significant boost to research and innovation in Egypt
Under the new association agreement, Egypt will have full access to all elements of the Horizon Europe program, the European Union’s flagship initiative for research and innovation.
With a total budget of €93.5 billion from 2021 to 2027, the program is designed to drive solutions to global challenges, from climate change and sustainable development to technological competitiveness.
The move will allow Egyptian institutions not only to participate in projects, but also to lead research consortia and shape Europe’s science and innovation agenda.
Participation will also help Egypt modernize its research infrastructure, promote institutional reforms, and strengthen national capacity-building efforts.
Strengthening EU-Egypt relations through Horizon Europe
The agreement was formally signed by European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdellatti in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
This milestone reflects the deepening cooperation between Cairo and Brussels, extending beyond trade and diplomacy to the fields of science, technology and innovation.
EU officials said the partnership will foster joint efforts in areas such as climate resilience, digital transformation and sustainable development, all of which are priorities shared by both regions.
Regarding this partnership, President von der Leyen said: “People are at the heart of the EU-Egypt partnership, supporting the development of their talents, ideas and skills.
“The partnership between Egypt and Horizon Europe will create opportunities for cutting-edge projects and innovation.
“These developments will take place in important research areas such as water management, sustainable agriculture and food security, and will deliver tangible benefits to our society.”
Building on a long-standing partnership
The Egyptian association builds on 20 years of cooperation under the 2005 EU-Egypt Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement and an active role in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Region (PRIMA), which focuses on sustainable water management, agricultural innovation and food security.
Following the successful conclusion of negotiations in April 2025, Egypt’s formal accession to Horizon Europe will herald a new era of regional and international scientific cooperation.
It connects Europe, Africa and the Middle East through common research goals and strengthens the role of the Mediterranean as a hub of cross-border innovation.
This landmark agreement, which integrates Egypt into the Horizon Europe program, not only increases Egypt’s scientific potential but also reaffirms its position as an important bridge between continents in meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
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