Egypt has officially become the second African nation to join the Horizon Europe programme, marking a historic step forward 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 their European counterparts via Horizon Europe on equal footing with EU Member States.
A major boost for Egyptian research and innovation
Under the new association agreement, Egypt gains full access to all components of the Horizon Europe programme, the European Union’s flagship initiative for research and innovation.
With a total budget of €93.5bn for 2021–2027, the programme is designed to drive solutions to global challenges – from climate change and sustainable development to technological competitiveness.
The move allows Egyptian institutions not only to participate in projects but also to lead research consortia, shaping Europe’s scientific and innovation agenda.
Participation will also help Egypt modernise its research infrastructure, promote institutional reforms, and enhance its national capacity-building efforts.
Strengthening EU–Egypt relations through Horizon Europe
The agreement was formally signed by EU Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, 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 into the realms of science, technology, and innovation.
According to EU officials, the partnership will foster joint efforts in areas such as climate resilience, digital transformation, and sustainable development – all priorities shared by both regions.
Speaking on the partnership, President von der Leyen said: “People are at the core of the EU-Egypt partnership – supporting them to develop their talents, ideas, and skills.
“Egypt’s association to Horizon Europe will create opportunities for cutting-edge projects and innovations.
“These developments will be in vital research areas like water management, sustainable farming, and food security, bringing tangible benefits to our societies. “
Building on a longstanding partnership
Egypt’s association builds upon two decades of collaboration under the 2005 EU–Egypt Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement and its active role in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), which focuses on sustainable water management, agricultural innovation, and food security.
Following successful negotiations concluded in April 2025, Egypt’s full membership in Horizon Europe signals a new era for regional and international scientific cooperation.
It strengthens the Mediterranean’s role as a hub for cross-border innovation, linking Europe, Africa, and the Middle East through shared research goals.
With this landmark agreement, Egypt’s integration into the Horizon Europe programme not only enhances its scientific potential but also reaffirms its position as a vital bridge between continents in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
