Press Release: EU-Egypt: European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan adopted

At its meeting on 6 March 2007 in Brussels, the 3rd EU-Egypt Association Council adopted the EU-Egypt Action Plan under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) which will set the agenda for the EU-Egypt cooperation for the next 3-5 years. In a separate decision, the Association Council established eight sub-committees and one working group, under the EU-Egypt Association Agreement, to follow up the implementation of the Action Plan and to take stock of the progress made. The Action Plan sets out the priorities for co-operation in a wide range of sectors jointly agreed between the EU and Egypt. These are based on Egypt’s own reform agenda in the economic, social and political areas. The EU will support implementation of the Action Plan with a substantial €558 million assistance package, announced by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner during her recent visit to Egypt. It is expected that this package will also help attract lending for investment of an estimated €250 to 300 million, bringing the total value of the Commission support to around €800 million for the period 2007-2010. This demonstrates the EU's commitment to support Egypt in its national priorities and reforms.