Egypt - Action Plan
The EU-Egypt Association Agreement entered into force in June 2004, replacing an earlier 1977 Cooperation Agreement. It provides a framework for the political, economic and social dimensions of the EU-Egypt partnership, having as its main goals to create a free trade area over a period of twelve years and to help to increase economic growth.
The ENP Action Plan, adopted in March 2007, identifies reform priorities (and their sequencing) within Egypt’s own agenda of reforms. The main priorities aim to:
- enhance political dialogue and co-operation;
- enhance dialogue on security issues such as disarmament, arms control and terrorism;
- enhance the effectiveness of institutions entrusted with strengthening democracy and the rule of law;
- promote the protection of human rights; increase economic integration with the EU and support reform of the economic and financial sectors;
- strengthen poverty reduction and social development;
- strengthen cooperation in migration related issues;
- enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, transport and science/technology;
- strengthen people-to-people and civil society cooperation.
In 2007, €137 million in Community assistance was allocated for Egypt to focus on the political, social and economic reforms in line with the ENP Action Plan.
The overall allocation for 2007-2010 is €558 million, under the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument.
