Egypt’s House of Representatives Economic Affairs Committee on Tuesday approved a presidential decree ratifying a €75 million financing agreement between the Egyptian government and the European Union aimed at supporting the implementation of social and economic reforms at the local level.
The agreement, approved under Presidential Decree No. 730 of 2025, covers the EU-backed program titled “Support to the Implementation of Social and Economic Reforms at the Local Level.” The committee is chaired by MP Tarek Shokry.
During the meeting, Shokry called on the government to clearly and transparently disclose how the funds will be spent, stressing the need for itemized allocation to ensure that the grant directly contributes to improving citizens’ living conditions.
“The government must clearly announce spending priorities and mechanisms so Parliament can verify that the grant is being used effectively to improve people’s livelihoods,” Shokry said, noting that the total value of the financing amounts to €75 million.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
Randa Mostafa, a member of the committee, said the program should prioritize support for low-income families, women’s empowerment, and people with disabilities, emphasizing that social protection must remain central to any economic reform agenda.
“The impact of this financing should be felt most by vulnerable groups,” she said.
Economic Pressures and Social Protection
MP Reda Abdel Salam described the economic situation facing Egyptian citizens as the most pressing challenge, arguing that the committee’s role extends beyond approving agreements to developing a broader vision for economic improvement.
“The economic conditions of citizens represent the most serious challenge today,” Abdel Salam said. “As a committee, we must work toward a clear transition from the current economic situation to a better one.”
He also highlighted the need to allocate part of the EU grant to improving healthcare services for senior citizens, noting that conditions for the elderly remain inadequate.
Abdel Salam called for stronger coordination between the national health insurance system and relevant government bodies to ensure that funding contributes to tangible improvements in healthcare access and quality for older Egyptians.
The approval of the agreement comes as Egypt continues to rely on international development partners to support social protection programs and mitigate the impact of economic pressures on vulnerable segments of the population.
