Today, the European Union and Egypt held the first Joint Committee Meeting underneath Egypt’s Association to Horizon Europe, alongside the ninth EU–Egypt Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee Meeting. The assembly marked a key milestone within the implementation of bilateral research and innovation cooperation.
Held on the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Cairo’s New Administrative Capital, the assembly introduced collectively senior representatives from either side, together with ministries, funding businesses, universities, and EU establishments.
The assembly opened by Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt and Angelina Eichhorst, Head of European Union Delegation to Egypt. It was co-chaired by the Deput Director-General of DG Research and Innovation, Maria Cristina Russo and Salma Yousry, Assistant Minister of Higher training and Scientific Research for International Cooperation, Egypt.
Both sides reaffirmed that research and innovation are central pillars of the EU–Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, supporting sustainable progress, competitiveness, and resilience. Egypt’s association to Horizon Europe was highlighted as a significant milestone, enabling full participation within the programme and increasing cooperation throughout academia, trade, and public research organisations.
The Committee reviewed implementation progress, together with monetary and administrative preparations and early participation developments. Egyptian engagement continues to develop, with:
- Over 50 Horizon Europe initiatives involving Egyptian companions
- More than 120 PRIMA initiatives
Discussions additionally centered on strengthening Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe via help of National Contact Points, capability constructing, personal sector engagement, and improved coordination with nationwide funding mechanisms.
The European Commission additionally offered upcoming alternatives underneath the 2026–2027 programme, together with:
- ERC and MSCA (Pillar I)
- European Innovation Council (Pillar III)
Both sides reviewed cooperation underneath PRIMA, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the EU–African Union Research and Innovation Partnership, recognising their contribution to addressing shared regional challenges and strengthening science diplomacy.
During the JCM, the 2 companions exchanged on the preparations of the high-level engagements foreseen within the area together with the forthcoming second AU-EU R&I Ministerial Meeting (27 October, Addis Ababa) and the twond UfM Ministerial on R&I tentatively in March 2027.
Cooperation with the Joint Research Centre (JRC), together with research infrastructures, doctoral partnerships, and expertise switch, was additionally mentioned.
Next steps
- Increase Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe via focused outreach, capability constructing, and additional strengthening of the NCP community.
- Support the additional improvement of the Horizon Europe Office in Egypt and strengthen coordination with innovation Ecosystem
Advance preparations for the upcoming AU–EU and Union for the Mediterranean Research and Innovation Ministerial Meetings.
More data
International cooperation with Egypt