The Egyptian House of Representatives has officially approved the government’s decision for Egypt to become a partner country in the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe, marking a significant step in strengthening scientific cooperation between Egypt and the EU.
During a session chaired by Speaker Hisham Badawi, lawmakers voted in favour of ratifying the agreement that will allow Egyptian researchers, universities, startups and private companies to participate fully in the EU’s research and innovation framework. The programme, with an annual estimated budget of €13.6 billion, funds collaborative projects on climate change, sustainable development and technological innovation.
Egypt’s association to this programme enables its research community to submit proposals, join international consortia, and access funding opportunities on terms similar to those of European Union member states. Members of parliament highlighted that the agreement will expand scientific partnerships, deepen academic cooperation and support the “knowledge economy,” benefiting sectors from clean energy to digital technology.
“This partnership provides a real boost for research and innovation in Egypt,” said MP Ahmed Abdel Majid, noting that Egyptian scientists will now have greater access to funding and collaboration networks across Europe. He added that while Egypt already produces a large number of scientific studies, joining the EU’s research programme will help bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
Parliamentarians also emphasised the positive impact on higher education and scientific sectors, with more opportunities for young researchers and institutions to engage in cutting-edge projects addressing shared global challenges such as climate change, health, and sustainable agriculture.
Egypt became the second African country to join the Horizon Europe programme, after concluding negotiations with the EU in late 2025 as part of a broader effort to strengthen the EU–Egypt scientific partnership. The association builds on years of cooperation through other initiatives and positions Cairo as a key partner in international research and innovation networks.
