European People’s Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber recently met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, where discussions centered on strengthening the EU-Egypt partnership to address migration challenges in the Mediterranean region. Following their October 28 meeting, Weber expressed optimism about fostering cooperation to curb illegal migration, enhance economic opportunities, and improve security in the region.
Weber emphasized the EPP’s commitment to a “Pact for the Mediterranean” that aims to reduce illegal migration flows and stimulate economic investment in North Africa. This pact, he stated, is designed to encourage sustainable job creation, thereby addressing migration pressures by boosting local economies. Weber highlighted the essential role Egypt plays in this strategy and praised its recent efforts in preventing unauthorized migration to Europe.
The meeting included a conversation between Weber and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdel Atty, who acknowledged Egypt’s significant contributions to halting migrant flows. Abdel Atty noted, however, that Egypt’s role in migration control is not without challenges, as these efforts come with high economic and logistical costs. According to a statement from the Egyptian foreign ministry, cooperation between Egypt and the EU on migration is essential in addressing the underlying factors driving people to migrate.
Reflecting on Egypt’s strategic partnership with the EU, an official from the Egyptian Presidency described the meeting as a reinforcement of the longstanding relationship between the two parties. This partnership, recently deepened to a strategic and global level, aligns with both Egypt and the EU’s shared interests in stabilizing the Mediterranean and addressing migration comprehensively.
Weber also commended Egypt’s stabilizing influence in the region, particularly in its efforts to address ongoing conflicts and crises in neighboring areas. The discussions underscored Egypt’s critical role in promoting regional stability and the country’s dedication to solving regional issues through diplomatic channels.
This visit follows a significant agreement signed in March by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, dedicating €200 million of a €7.4 billion investment to support migration management in Egypt. The EU’s objectives include preventing Egyptian nationals and other migrants from using Egypt as a gateway to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.
However, the EU’s migration agreements in North Africa, including those with Egypt, Tunisia, and Turkey, have sparked backlash from human rights groups. Critics argue that such “cash-for-migration-control” deals may legitimize authoritarian practices and raise concerns over migrant treatment. Organizations like Human Rights Watch fear that such partnerships may expose refugees and migrants, including Sudanese refugees in Egypt, to potential expulsions similar to incidents at other borders.
As the EU and Egypt strengthen their migration partnership, advocates continue to call for safeguards to protect migrant rights and ensure humane treatment for those in transit, urging transparency and accountability within these strategic agreements.