Cairo, Egypt – In a significant move to bolster Egypt’s economy, the European Union is finalizing an aid package worth €7.4 billion ($8.08 billion), as reported by the Financial Times.
The financial assistance aims to support the country’s economic stability amidst growing concerns over the potential spillover effects of conflicts in Gaza and Sudan.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, is scheduled to visit Cairo on Sunday, March 17, accompanied by the Prime Ministers of Greece, Italy, and Belgium.
The high-level delegation is set to finalize and announce the details of the agreement, marking a pivotal moment in EU-Egypt relations.
Mohamed Maait, Egypt’s Finance Minister, previously told CNBC Arabia that Egypt’s three-year program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would commence following the Executive Board’s approval. The initial tranche will be part of a new $8 billion funding agreement with the IMF.
Furthermore, Maait highlighted that the total financial packages Egypt is expected to receive, including contributions from the IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, and other international institutions, will surpass $20 billion. This sum includes approximately $9 billion from the IMF and $3 billion from the World Bank.
This comprehensive financial support underscores the international community’s commitment to Egypt’s economic resilience.
It comes at a crucial time when the region faces unprecedented challenges, emphasizing the strategic importance of Egypt’s stability for global and regional economic health.