The agreement, titled "EU Support for the Implementation of Socio-Economic Reforms at the Local Level," was signed by Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat and European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica.
The grant is part of the Neighbourhood, Development and
International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), with co-financing from Germany.
Al-Mashat stated the agreement aims to bolster the strategic
partnership by implementing integrated development projects in low-income
areas, focusing on improving the quality of basic services such as education,
health, and water, and enhancing livelihoods. She noted special attention would
be paid to low-income groups and refugees to boost social and economic
resilience.
The project is a core component of the sixth pillar of the
Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, relating to "Human Capital and
Demography." Its key objectives include improving access to basic
services, expanding economic opportunities and livelihoods, especially for
women and youth, and raising the quality of healthcare for women and children.
The project will be implemented in partnership with national
entities, including the Ministry of Health and Population and the Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.
The Egyptian-European Summit also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the second phase of the Macro-Financial Assistance and budget support mechanism, valued at 4 billion euros.