EU: No aid to Egypt unless it promotes reforms

MEPs decided yesterday to withhold financial aid from Egypt unless it makes significant progress with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In addition, they condemned the death sentences on 21 football fans involved in the Port Said tragedy and called for a moratorium on all death penalties in Egypt.

MEPs said that the EU must set clear conditions regarding its financial support to Egypt in order to promote the necessary reforms. They also stressed that civil society, women's and minority rights must be the primary focus of EU aid.

The Parliament is also concerned about the escalating violence in the country and in particular, the rise in violence against women who are involved in protestations or support women's rights. MEPs also highlighted that all laws allowing for the unrestricted use of violence by police and security forces against civilians must be abolished.

In addition, they acknowledged the decision by the Egyptian electoral commission to cancel the parliamentary elections scheduled for April and said that the government should launch talks in order to achieve political consensus.