Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Ayman Ashour, witnessed the launch of Horizon Europe 2025 program on Wednesday. The event, held in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Egypt and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, as part of Egypt-EU partnership. The ceremony brought together Angelina Eichhorst, EU Ambassador to Egypt, alongside university presidents, research center leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and ministry officials.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ashour warmly welcomed Ambassador Eichhorst and representatives from the European Commission, emphasizing the event as a pivotal moment in Egypt’s strategic cooperation with the EU. “This celebration represents a new milestone in our journey of collaboration, which has consistently positioned the EU as Egypt’s closest partner in research and innovation,” he stated. He praised the partnership’s critical role in addressing both local and global challenges through science and innovation, underscoring its contributions to sustainable development.
Dr. Ashour highlighted Egypt’s adoption of a forward-looking vision for higher education and scientific research in 2023, which prioritizes quality education, research, and innovation as cornerstones of sustainable development. He noted that international cooperation, exemplified by initiatives like Horizon Europe, is a fundamental pillar of this vision, enabling Egypt to leverage global expertise and drive impactful change.
The minister celebrated Egypt’s formal integration into Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest research and innovation program, describing it as a transformative opportunity for Egyptian researchers, startups, and innovators to contribute to the Egypt-EU science and innovation agenda. Dr. Ashour urged researchers and entrepreneurs to engage in projects addressing critical areas such as energy, climate change, water management, food security, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.
Reflecting on past achievements, Dr. Ashour noted the Egyptian researchers’ collaboration with their European counterparts through Horizon Europe have driven advancements in knowledge, economic growth, and job creation, particularly in priority sectors. He also expressed enthusiasm for the extension of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) until 2027, which will boost sustainable agriculture and water management in Egypt and the Mediterranean Region.
Dr. Ashour emphasized Egypt’s leadership role in PRIMA, including its financial contributions and co-presidency, urging Egyptian and regional teams to expand their participation to produce impactful research and solutions. He thanked Ambassador Eichhorst, the EU Delegation, and the European Commission for their unwavering support..
Amb. Eichhorst echoed Dr. Ashour’s sentiments, expressing delight at the strengthened Egypt-EU partnership, particularly as 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the EU-Egypt Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. She described Egypt’s participation in Horizon Europe as a “new beginning” for long-term collaboration, enabling Egyptian researchers, youth, and entrepreneurs to shape research agendas, lead innovative projects, and contribute to global scientific advancements.
Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research, presented Egypt’s National Policy for Sustainable Innovation, a cornerstone of the ministry’s 2023 National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research. Dr. Osman emphasized the vast opportunities for Egyptian researchers through Horizon Europe, PRIMA, and Erasmus programs, which facilitate joint research and support cutting-edge disciplines.
The event featured additional presentations, including from Nienke Buisman of the European Commission and Dr. Hamid El-Zoheiry, Egypt’s lead negotiator for Horizon Europe, who discussed Egypt’s integration into the program. Alessandro Calabro of the European Commission outlined international cooperation opportunities, while Dr. Heba Gaber of the EU Delegation and Dr. Salma Yousry, the minister’s advisor for international cooperation, addressed capacity-building strategies and future steps.
Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship initiative for research and innovation, opens new avenues for Egypt to collaborate on vital sectors such as renewable energy, food security, digital transformation, health, and education. Egypt’s participation in the program is poised to bolster sustainable development, strengthen bilateral ties, and advance shared goals for the Egyptian and European peoples.
