Minister of Higher Education: Egypt’s accession to Horizon Europe represents a strategic platform for transforming knowledge into innovation that supports economic growth and competitiveness.
Minister of Higher Education: We seek to transform knowledge into technologies, industries, and job opportunities while strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.
EU Ambassador: Scientific research and innovation are fundamental pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Egypt and the European Union.
Egyptian and European officials reaffirm commitment to expanding cooperation in water, energy, health, and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Egypt, inaugurated the first meeting of the Egypt–EU Joint Committee following Egypt’s accession to the Horizon Europe Programme, as well as the ninth meeting of the Joint Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee between the two sides. The meeting was held at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
The discussions were chaired by Dr. Salma Yousry, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, and Ms. Maria Cristina Russo, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, in the presence of senior representatives of the European Commission, the Delegation of the European Union to Egypt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egyptian research and innovation institutions, universities, and sector coordinators representing the relevant ministries.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa emphasized that Egypt’s accession to Horizon Europe, which was signed during the Egypt–EU Summit in the presence of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reflects the strategic importance both sides attach to science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development, competitiveness, and the knowledge-based economy.
The Minister added that Egypt’s ambition extends beyond generating knowledge to transforming it into technologies, industries, and employment opportunities. He noted that participation in the programme represents a strategic platform for strengthening the national innovation environment and increasing the contribution of science and technology to economic growth and competitiveness. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment, through an integrated national approach, to maximizing the benefits of this partnership for society and future generations.
He further stressed that maximizing the benefits of the partnership requires close coordination among ministries, research and innovation institutions, and universities, while highlighting the vital role of the private sector in this process.
Dr. Konsowa also pointed to the Ministry’s focus on supporting applied scientific research and transforming research outputs into implementable innovations that contribute to industrial development and sustainable economic growth. He highlighted efforts to internationalize higher education, expand partnerships with leading international universities, and establish branches of Egyptian universities abroad, in line with Egypt’s vision of becoming a regional hub for higher education and scientific research.
For her part, Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst emphasized the importance of scientific research and innovation as fundamental pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Egypt and the European Union. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting stronger and more effective scientific and innovation cooperation that serves the shared interests of both sides.
She noted that previous cooperation reflects growing interest in transforming knowledge and innovation into economic and industrial applications that support sustainable development. She also highlighted the positive achievements made in areas such as infrastructure support and capacity building, expressing optimism about expanding these achievements and creating additional opportunities for outstanding Egyptian researchers.
During the meeting, participants stressed the importance of strengthening national coordination mechanisms, expanding awareness-raising and capacity-building efforts, enhancing private sector participation, and supporting the integration of Egyptian institutions into European and international innovation ecosystems.
The Egyptian side expressed its appreciation for the continued support provided by the European Commission and the EU Delegation to Egypt, including the technical assistance accompanying Egypt’s accession to Horizon Europe and the establishment of the Egyptian-European Research and Innovation Liaison Office.
The Joint Committee reviewed progress achieved in implementing Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe and discussed future cooperation priorities in several areas of mutual interest, including water and food security, health and biotechnology, renewable energy and hydrogen, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.
Participants also explored ways to strengthen private sector engagement, expand cooperation with European research infrastructures, and maximize the benefits of relevant regional and multilateral initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment of both sides to deepening scientific and innovation cooperation and enhancing the contribution of research and innovation to sustainable development, competitiveness, and economic growth in Egypt, Europe, the Mediterranean region, and Africa.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Walaa Sheta, Chief Executive Officer of the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF); Dr. Mahmoud El-Saeed, Vice President of Cairo University for Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Amani Kamel, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Tamer Hamouda, Executive Director of the Innovators and Geniuses Support Fund; Ambassador Noha El-Gebaly, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Scientific Research, Universities and Research Centers; and Dr. Galal El-Shishini, Head of the Central Administration for Healthcare Quality at the Ministry of Health and Population.
Participants from the European side included Ms. Nienke Buisman, Head of the International Cooperation Unit at the European Commission; Mr. Alessandro Calabro, Policy Officer (RTD.04) at the European Commission; Mr. Nikolaos Zaimis, Head of the Trade Section at the EU Delegation; Dr. Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, Chief Negotiator of Egypt’s Horizon Europe Accession Agreement; Dr. Heba Gaber, Representative of the EU Delegation to Egypt; Dr. Zeinab El-Sadr, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme; and Dr. Nermeen El-Desouki, Executive Director of the Egyptian-European Research and Innovation Liaison Office.
