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EU Hails Egypt as 'Pillar of Stability' in Middle East at G7 Summit
The European Union, represented by leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, hailed Egypt as a "pillar of stability" in the Middle East during the G7 summit in Évian. The EU announced €1.5 billion in new funding for Egypt's reforms and praised the country's role as a mediator in regional conflicts, particularly in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
Quick Facts
Who
Ursula von der Leyen
What
EU praised Egypt as 'pillar of stability' in Middle East
When
June 2026
Where
Évian, France
- EU praised Egypt as 'pillar of stability' in Middle East
- Bilateral meetings between EU leaders and Egyptian president
- Announcement of €1.5 billion in EU funding for Egyptian reforms
- Discussion of Egypt's mediation in Israel-Hamas ceasefire
- Eleventh meeting of joint association council held
The European Union praised its strategic partnership with Egypt during the G7 summit in Évian, France, describing the country as a "pillar of stability" in the turbulent Middle East region. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met bilaterally with Egyptian President Abdelfatah al-Sisi on the sidelines of the summit to discuss the deepening alliance between the bloc and Egypt.
Von der Leyen highlighted the EU's rapid implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed with Egypt in March 2024, announcing €1.5 billion in new funding this month to support Egypt's reform agenda, adding to €8 billion already mobilized in investments. She emphasized Egypt's central role as a stable partner for Europe in a volatile region, noting discussions with Al-Sisi about diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, including support for implementing the U.S.-Iran agreement and advancing recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.
Costa echoed this assessment, describing Egypt as "a key strategic partner for the EU and a pillar of regional stability." He highlighted Egypt's crucial mediation efforts in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and signed in October, which ended the war in Gaza. Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to collaborating with its partners to implement the Peace Plan and support a just and durable peace in the region.
Al-Sisi welcomed the convergence of positions between Egypt and the EU on multiple issues, stressing the importance of close coordination to achieve regional and international peace and resolve various crises. The Egyptian president also noted discussions on counterterrorism and illegal migration. Additionally, Al-Sisi expressed Egypt's hope that the U.S.-Iran peace agreement will contribute to de-escalating tensions in the region.
The bilateral meeting followed the eleventh meeting of the joint association council held in Luxembourg, co-chaired by EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
Why This Matters
This development signals strengthening EU-Egypt ties at a critical moment for Middle East stability. The €1.5 billion funding commitment reflects Europe's strategic pivot toward securing Egypt as a reliable partner amid regional volatility. For businesses and investors, this indicates EU confidence in Egypt's reform trajectory and potential for economic cooperation. The emphasis on Egypt's mediation role in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire underscores its geopolitical importance for achieving lasting regional peace, making it relevant for stakeholders monitoring Middle East developments and EU foreign policy direction.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 15, 2026
WireEleventh meeting of joint association council held in Luxembourg, co-chaired by Kaja Kallas and Badr Abdelatty
Jun 16, 2026
WireEU leaders meet with Egyptian president at G7 summit in Évian; €1.5 billion in funding announced