Today, the European Union and Egypt held the 1st Joint Committee Meeting under Egypt’s Association to Horizon Europe, alongside the 9th EU–Egypt Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee Meeting. The meeting marked a key milestone in the implementation of bilateral research and innovation cooperation.
Held at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Cairo’s New Administrative Capital, the meeting brought together senior representatives from both sides, including ministries, funding agencies, universities, and EU institutions.
The meeting 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 education 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 growth, competitiveness, and resilience. Egypt’s association to Horizon Europe was highlighted as a major milestone, enabling full participation in the programme and expanding cooperation across academia, industry, and public research organisations.
The Committee reviewed implementation progress, including financial and administrative arrangements and early participation trends. Egyptian engagement continues to grow, with:
- Over 50 Horizon Europe projects involving Egyptian partners
- More than 120 PRIMA projects
Discussions also focused on strengthening Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe through support of National Contact Points, capacity building, private sector engagement, and improved coordination with national funding mechanisms.
The European Commission also presented upcoming opportunities under the 2026–2027 programme, including:
- ERC and MSCA (Pillar I)
- European Innovation Council (Pillar III)
Both sides reviewed cooperation under 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 two partners exchanged on the preparations of the high-level engagements foreseen in the region including the forthcoming second AU-EU R&I Ministerial Meeting (27 October, Addis Ababa) and the 2nd UfM Ministerial on R&I tentatively in March 2027.
Cooperation with the Joint Research Centre (JRC), including research infrastructures, doctoral partnerships, and technology transfer, was also discussed.
Next steps
- Increase Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe through targeted outreach, capacity building, and further strengthening of the NCP network.
- Support the further development 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.
