9 Key facts about Horizon Europe 2025 launch in Egypt

Egypt and the European Union took a major step forward in their scientific collaboration with the launch of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 in Cairo. The initiative opens the door for Egyptian researchers, institutions, and innovators to actively participate in the EU’s largest research and innovation funding scheme. Here are nine key facts about the event and what it means for Egypt’s future in global science.

1. Egypt and EU launched Horizon Europe 2025 in Cairo
The European Union and Egypt officially launched the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 at a high-level event in Cairo, signaling a deepening of their collaboration in research and innovation.

2. The launch marked a new phase in EU-Egypt scientific ties
The event is part of broader efforts to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation, building on two decades of EU-Egypt collaboration in these fields.

3. Over 150 stakeholders attended the event
Academics, researchers, innovators, and officials from key Egyptian ministries participated in the launch, showing strong national interest in tapping into EU research opportunities.

4. Top EU and Egyptian officials led the event
EU Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst and Egypt’s Higher Education Minister Mohamed Ayman Ashour jointly inaugurated the event, underlining the political and strategic importance of the partnership.

5. Horizon Europe offers Egypt full participation rights
Egyptian institutions can now compete for funding and lead projects under Horizon Europe’s 2025 budget, enjoying equal footing with institutions from associated countries.

6. Formal agreement is expected by the end of 2025
Although the Horizon Europe Association Agreement has not yet been signed, transitional arrangements are in place following its initialling in April. Full formalization is anticipated by November 2025.

7. Egypt gains a role in shaping European research
Beyond funding access, Egypt’s association with Horizon Europe gives it a seat at the table in defining research priorities and forming international research consortia.

8. PRIMA partnership extension was also finalized
On the same day, Egypt and the EU concluded negotiations to extend the PRIMA initiative, a Mediterranean-focused programme targeting sustainable food and water systems.

9. The launch builds on a broader strategic partnership
This development follows the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between Egypt and the EU in March, which reinforced bilateral ties across multiple sectors.