The European Union and African Union will convene a high-level ministerial meeting in Brussels on May 21, with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, set to take part. The gathering highlights growing cooperation between the two continental blocs amid shared geopolitical and humanitarian challenges.
Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt, announced the plans on Friday during a roundtable discussion marking the conclusion of a four-day official visit to the Alexandria governorate. She was accompanied by an EU delegation that met with local authorities and inspected various EU-funded projects in the region.
The Brussels session will be chaired by Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. Prior to this, EU foreign and defense ministers will hold a separate council meeting to deliberate on key regional and international developments.
According to Eichhorst, the agenda will focus on several pressing global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, and the humanitarian situation in Syria. The discussions aim to reinforce political alignment and foster a coordinated response to crises impacting both Europe and Africa.
She also revealed that the EU plans to unveil a revised approach to humanitarian assistance, referred to as the “new European model,” aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and speed of aid delivery, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as the Gaza Strip. Talks are ongoing to determine viable pathways for transporting humanitarian supplies into the enclave.
Regarding Egypt, Eichhorst confirmed that negotiations are progressing for the release of the second tranche of EU financial assistance, valued at €4 billion. This funding is part of a broader strategic partnership to support Egypt’s economic stability, sustainable development, and regional role.
During her visit to Alexandria, the EU representative addressed the local impact of climate change, noting that the governorate faces significant environmental threats, including coastal erosion and rising sea levels. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen resilience against climate-related risks.
Her tour included site visits to development projects co-funded by the EU, focusing on education, vocational training, and infrastructure improvement. Eichhorst described the experience as “fruitful and engaging,” adding that the projects reflect the EU’s commitment to supporting inclusive growth in Egypt.
The upcoming ministerial meeting in Brussels is expected to deepen political dialogue between the EU and AU, with Egypt playing a pivotal role in shaping outcomes that reflect the priorities of both continents.