EU Signs €7.4 Billion Aid Deal with Egypt to Stop Migration to Europe

European Union leaders have finalised a significant aid package totalling €7.4 billion with Egypt in an effort to bolster the North African country’s economy and tackle irregular migration to Europe.

The deal, which was sealed during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several EU national leaders to Cairo, includes €5 billion in soft loans to support economic reforms, €1.8 billion to support private sector investments, and €600 million in grants, with a portion allocated for migration management.

The agreement comes amidst growing concerns over human rights abuses in Egypt under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Since seizing power in a 2013 coup, Sisi’s government has been accused of suppressing opposition, jailing critics, and stifling media and civil society.

Human Rights Watch has criticised the deal, arguing that it rewards Sisi’s autocratic rule and undermines efforts to promote democracy and human rights compliance. The organisation has raised concerns about the lack of safeguards in EU agreements with countries like Egypt, which could expose migrants to harsh conditions and empower authoritarian leaders.

Despite these criticisms, EU leaders defended the deal as a necessary step to address economic instability in Egypt and curb irregular migration to Europe. They emphasised the importance of cooperation with countries in North Africa to manage migration flows and stabilise the region.

The aid package for Egypt is part of a broader EU strategy aimed at securing partnerships with countries on its periphery to address migration challenges and promote stability. Similar deals have been signed with Tunisia, Mauritania, and Turkey, with negotiations underway for a potential agreement with Morocco.

While the EU’s externalisation strategy has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, European leaders argue that it is a pragmatic approach to managing immigration amidst increasing arrivals to the bloc. They acknowledge the importance of addressing human rights concerns but stress the need to balance these with the realities of migration pressures and regional stability.