EU and Egypt continue to strengthen their research ties through Horizon Europe

The EU and Egypt have taken another significant step in strengthening their research and innovation partnership following Egypt’s association with the Horizon Europe program

The latest discussions, held in Cairo’s New Administrative Capital, marked the first Joint Committee Meeting under Egypt’s Horizon Europe association, alongside the ninth EU–Egypt Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee Meeting.

The gathering brought together senior representatives from both sides, including government ministries, universities, funding organisations and European institutions, highlighting the growing importance of scientific cooperation between the two partners.

Expanding opportunities for researchers

Research and innovation remain at the heart of the EU and Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, with both sides recognising their role in driving sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and resilience.

Egypt’s association with Horizon Europe represents a major milestone, giving Egyptian researchers, universities, businesses and public research organisations full access to one of the world’s largest research and innovation funding programs. The agreement is expected to create more opportunities for joint projects, knowledge sharing, and technological development.

Early signs suggest the partnership is already delivering results. Egyptian organisations are currently involved in more than 50 Horizon Europe projects, while participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) has exceeded 120 projects.

Building stronger research networks

During the meeting, officials reviewed progress made since Egypt joined Horizon Europe, including financial and administrative arrangements supporting its participation in the program.

Discussions also focused on ways to encourage even greater Egyptian involvement. Priorities include strengthening the country’s network of National Contact Points, providing additional capacity-building support, increasing engagement with the private sector, and improving coordination between Horizon Europe and national funding systems.

The European Commission also outlined upcoming funding opportunities available under the 2026–2027 Horizon Europe work program. These include prestigious grants through the European Research Council (ERC), researcher mobility opportunities under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and innovation support through the European Innovation Council (EIC).

Addressing shared regional challenges

Beyond Horizon Europe, the meeting highlighted wider cooperation across regional initiatives designed to tackle common challenges. These include PRIMA, the Union for the Mediterranean and the EU–African Union Research and Innovation Partnership.

These collaborations support work on issues such as sustainable development, climate resilience, food security and scientific cooperation across neighbouring regions, while also strengthening science diplomacy.

Participants also discussed preparations for upcoming high-level research meetings, including the second African Union–European Union Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for October in Addis Ababa, and the second Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial on Research and Innovation, expected to take place in early 2027.

Further discussions explored collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Center, covering research infrastructure, doctoral partnerships and technology transfer initiatives.

Both sides agreed to build on the momentum from Egypt’s Horizon Europe association by expanding outreach to researchers and institutions across the country.

Future priorities include expanding the Horizon Europe Office in Egypt, strengthening links with the national innovation ecosystem and continuing preparations for major regional research meetings.

As cooperation continues to grow, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities for researchers, universities, and businesses while contributing to solutions for shared regional and global challenges.