Egypt Joins Horizon Europe in Landmark Research and Innovation Agreement

Egypt has successfully completed negotiations to become a member of Horizon Europe, the European Union’s premier research and innovation funding program. This milestone agreement was formalized in Brussels, with Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mohamed Ayman Ashour, and European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, present at the signing.

Horizon Europe is the EU’s largest research initiative, boasting a €95.5 billion budget for the 2021-2027 period. It is renowned for being the most open research program globally, facilitating collaboration across various sectors including businesses, civil society, and academic institutions. This association will allow Egyptian researchers to access some of Europe’s world-class research facilities, further fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing between the EU and Egypt.

The agreement is expected to be officially signed by November 2025, pending final approvals from both parties. However, transitional arrangements are already in place, allowing Egyptian entities to apply for Horizon Europe projects starting from April 10, 2025. These entities will be treated as “eligible” for funding opportunities from the program for the year 2025 and beyond.

EU Ambassador to Egypt, Angelina Eichhorst, expressed her enthusiasm about Egypt’s inclusion, calling it a significant achievement in the ongoing strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt. She highlighted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of their research and innovation cooperation, which began with an agreement signed in 2005.

Ambassador Eichhorst emphasized that this new collaboration will pave the way for joint efforts in critical areas such as climate change, water management, food security, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. The association is expected to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and address common global challenges.