On October 22, 2025, Egypt officially became the second African country to associate with Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship research and innovation programme. This agreement, signed during the inaugural EU-Egypt Summit in Brussels, marks a significant milestone in the EU-Egypt partnership. It grants Egyptian researchers, universities, and innovators access to all parts of Horizon Europe on equal terms with EU Member States, enabling them to lead projects and contribute to cutting-edge research.

The association opens new opportunities for collaboration in vital research areas such as water management, sustainable farming, and food security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that this partnership will support the development of talents, ideas, and skills, bringing tangible benefits to both societies.

This development builds upon Egypt's long-standing cooperation with the EU in research and innovation, including participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). The association to Horizon Europe further strengthens regional collaboration and supports Egypt's national research reforms and institutional capacity-building.

Egypt's inclusion in Horizon Europe underscores the EU's commitment to fostering scientific collaboration with its southern neighbours. As the second African nation to join the programme, Egypt is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges through research and innovation