EU Leaders Accused of ‘Rewarding Repression’ with €7.4bn Egypt Deal
In a move that has ignited controversy, European Union leaders are preparing to finalize a substantial €7.4bn agreement with Egypt. This decision arrives amidst accusations from European parliament members that the EU is effectively “bankrolling dictators”. The strategic partnership, intended to deter Mediterranean refugee crossings, marks a significant expansion beyond the EU’s earlier €150m arrangement with Tunisia focusing on migration and economic cooperation. This forthcoming deal with Egypt is poised to be ratified on Sunday.
The EU-Egypt agreement aims to foster collaboration in various domains, including renewable energy, trade, and security. This multi-faceted plan includes a provision of €5bn in soft loans aimed at supporting Egypt’s economic reforms, with €1bn designated as urgent aid for 2024. Additionally, over the next three years, the agreement will channel grants, loans, and other financial resources to bolster Egypt’s struggling economy.
The accord has seen involvement from key European figures, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Italy, Belgium, and Greece. The gathering underscores the EU’s concerted efforts to stabilize Egypt’s economic conditions, which have driven a flux of emigration due to severe economic hardships and poverty among its 106 million population.
Amid escalating numbers of refugees from regions like Gaza and Sudan, countries such as Italy and Greece have expressed concerns about potential refugee crises. Interestingly, a portion of the €2.4bn, not allocated as loans, is destined for initiatives aimed at strengthening border security with Sudan and Libya and enhancing refugee support systems within Egypt.
However, the deal has attracted criticism from human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch has passionately argued that the agreement essentially serves as a reward to Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi for his efforts to curb migration to Europe. The organization highlighted the repressive tactics employed by Sisi’s administration since assuming power, including the suppression of dissent, incarceration of critics, and restrictions on the media and civil society.
In response to criticisms, particularly from MEPs, the European Union defended its approach, emphasizing its intention to foster democracy and human rights through collaborative partnerships rather than severing ties. The forthcoming joint declaration associated with the deal pledges ongoing commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, and human rights, spotlighting the EU’s readiness to support Egypt in alignment with established partnership priorities and human rights strategies.
The declaration further characterizes the partnership as “strategic and comprehensive,” acknowledging Egypt’s significant role as a stabilizing force and a beacon of security, moderation, and peace in the Mediterranean, the Near East, and Africa. Moreover, it underscores a mutual commitment to the principles outlined in the United Nations charter, envisioning a collaborative future grounded in shared strategic objectives and values.
As the deal moves towards finalization, it underscores the complex interplay between strategic geopolitical interests, economic imperatives, and the pressing challenges of human rights and democracy in international relations.
