EGYPTE - ACTUALITES DE LA DELEGATION DE LA CE
Safeguarding Egyptian traditional festivals
In order to celebrate the still vibrant world of Egyptian Traditional Festivals, a three days event on Safeguarding Egyptian Traditional Festivals will be held in Cairo , at the Emir Taz Palace, from 5 to 7 March 2009. The event will include films, troupe performances and shows, street puppet shows, songs and dances related to the festivals, exhibitions and conferences on Egyptian and Mediterranean traditional festivals, their safeguarding and promotion, and a visit to the Folk Traditions Documentation and Development Project, National Folklore Archives and Aragoz street puppet and shadow plays project at Kharazy House in Old Cairo.
(3 March, 2009)
Launching of the photo contest: Travelling through…
In occasion of the opening of the project Words and Notes: A Visual travel Between Music and Literature on 25th February, has been launched the international photo contest “Travelling through…”. The contest aims to discover personal visions of trave and is open to all amateur (non professional) photographers living all around the world.
(3 March, 2009)
Culture Projects: Funding opportunities for Neighbourhood countries
The Culture Unit of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency has announced funding opportunities under the theme “Crossing Borders – Connecting Cultures”, Cooperation Projects with Third Countries, in the framework of the Culture Programme 2007-2013. For the Special Action in 2009 and 2010, the European Commission proposes to concentrate on the EU Neighbourhood. The Special Action will be dedicated to those countries covered by the ENP that have ratified the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and have signed an Association or Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU.
(4 March, 2009)
European Union supports regular payment of salaries and pensions through PEGASE
The European Union has contributed over NIS 138 million (just over €26 million) this month for the regular payment of salaries and pensions to more than 78,000 Palestinian public service providers and pensioners.
(5 March, 2009)
Women’s Day: Europe keeps women’s empowerment high on its global agenda
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, which this year carries the theme ‘Women and men united to end violence against women and girls’, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner reaffirms the Commission’s continuing political and financial commitment to fight for women rights.
(6 March, 2009)
Hans-Gert Pöttering ends his mandate as President of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly
Following the annual EMPA plenary session, held in Brussels on 16-17 March 2009, the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering has handed over the EMPA presidency to Abdel Hadi Al-Majali, Speaker of the Jordanian Parliament, who will take the reins of EMPA until March 2010.
(17 March, 2009)
Neo-traditional Ghanaian Music - Aaron Bebe and the Flute Magician
Ricerca e Cooperazione and El Sawy CultureWheel, after have launched the project “Words and Notes-A Visual travel between Music and Literature” co-funded by the Delegation of the European Commission in Egypt, will organize the second concert of the project.
(24 March, 2009)
EU hands over €1.3 million of waste collection equipment to clean up environment
The Palestinian Ministry of Local Government today took delivery of over €1.3 million worth (approximately NIS 6.9 million) of waste collection and disposal equipment, in a move that will directly impact on the quality of life of ordinary Palestinians, helping local authorities to deal with the estimated 500,000 tons of solid waste generated annually in the West Bank alone.
(25 March, 2009)
Conference on “Modern issues on traffics of cultural heritage” in Alexandria
Organised at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina by the Manumed project, this international conference will focus on the management and interpretation of written heritage. Invited experts will examine the legal and conservation challenges that face the custodians of ancient manuscripts and other written records.
(5 April, 2009)
First Alexandrina World Music Festival
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is launching the “First Alexandrina World Music Festival” from the 4th to the 10th of April, 2009, a project co-funded by the European Union through a grant awarded from the Delegation of the European Commission in Egypt. It focuses for its first year on a number of Euro-Mediterranean musical cultures of 6 different countries, Algeria, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Italy and Macedonia.
(5 April, 2009)
International seminar on “Joint efforts for safer roads in Egypt”
The Egypt-EU Twinning Project on Road Safety is organising its first seminar under the title “Joint efforts for safer roads in Egypt”. It will bring together representatives of the Ministries of Transport, Interior and Health, participants from international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the World Bank, Egyptian NGOs and private sector companies. The seminar will debate on such issues as road accidents statistics and the efforts of different Egyptian stakeholders in improving road safety.
(5 April, 2009)
The EU supports regular payment of salaries and pensions for Palestinian beneficiaries
The European Union has contributed over NIS 126 million (€23 million) this month for the regular payment of salaries and pensions to nearly 78,000 Palestinian public service providers and pensioners.
(6 April, 2009)
European Commission issues 2nd Neighbourhood Policy Progress Report on Egypt
The European Commission in Brussels is to publish a full set of progress reports on each of its Neighbourhood Policy partners on 23 April, including one on Egypt. The report contains a factual assessment of progress made on Action Plan commitments entered into by Egypt when it joined the European Neighbourhood Policy in March 2007.
(22 April, 2009)
EU reinforces ties with its neighbours and continues to support their reforms
In its annual Progress Reports, the European Commission takes stock of the concrete reform achievements made by countries within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in 2008 and identifies the areas where further efforts are needed. In a policy paper on the implementation of the ENP presented today, the Commission provides an overview of developments in 12 ENP countries. It also highlights the impact of the financial crisis on them and proposes a number of ways the EU could contribute to their recovery process.
(23 April, 2009)
Preparation of the National Indicative Programme for the years 2011-2013
In 2009 the European Commission has launched the preparation of the National Indicative Programme (NIP) for Egypt for the years 2011-2013. The NIP should present a policy response and define priority areas of cooperation based on the strategic objectives laid down in the Egypt Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for 2007-2013, which are: support for political and administrative reform; support for economic reform; support for social reform.
(29 April, 2009)
Commission launches 2009 Lorenzo Natali Prize for committed journalists
On World Press Freedom Day the Commission is officially launching the Lorenzo Natali Prize for 2009. The prize is awarded in partnership with Reporters Without Borders and the World Association of Newspapers to journalists who have demonstrated a commitment to human rights, democracy and development.
(3 May, 2009)
Palestinian families facing hardship in the Gaza Strip to collect social allowances
As of May 4th, over 24,600 vulnerable families in Gaza will be able to collect their quarterly social allowance for March 2009, delayed because of restrictions in the supply of cash to banks in the Strip.
(4 May, 2009)
2009 Europe Day Message of Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner
“Today we are celebrating the 5th anniversary of an enlarged and re-united European Union, a Union of citizens who have decided together, of their own will, to build a common future, based on the rule of law, an internal market, and the gradual abolition of internal borders. What we have done for ourselves – supporting and consolidating democracy for millions of people – we also wish to help others to accomplish”.
(7 May, 2009)
EU supports regular payment of salaries and pensions for Palestinians
The European Union has contributed over NIS 70 million (€13 million) this month for the regular payment of salaries and pensions to nearly 78,000 Palestinian public service providers and pensioners, both in the West Bank and Gaza. The contribution, which is channelled through the EU’s PEGASE mechanism, will be included in this month’s payment by the Palestinian Ministry of Finance, which will be executed today.
(7 May, 2009)
“A long lasting archaeological co-operation”
A photographic exhibition at the Egyptian Museum from 4 June to 30 July 2009
(22 May, 2009)
“Egypt: Life in a Picture” travels to Toulouse
The Delegation of the European Commission in Egypt has the pleasure to inform you that the 30 winning pictures of its first photo competition “Egypt: Life in a Picture” will be exhibited in Toulouse, France on the occasion of the 5th “Le Marathon Des Mots”.
(2 June, 2009)
Samir Kassir Award for freedom of the press - winners
The Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Lebanon, Ambassador Patrick Laurent, and Mrs. Gisèle Khoury-Kassir, President of the Samir Kassir Foundation, granted today the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press to the winners of the 2009 edition: an Egyptian journalist and a Lebanese Journalist.
(2 June, 2009)
EU Trade Counsellors’ visit to car-component industrial park
On June 15th, the EC Delegation and the CZ Presidency organised a field visit to a car-component industrial park based in 6th of October (Cairo). The field visit was organised in collaboration with the Investment Development Agency (affiliated to the Ministry of Trade and Industry) and the Industrial Development Group (IDG), a company managing the Engineering Square Project (E²), the first automotive and engineering industrial park.
(15 June, 2009)
The Impact of the Global Crisis on neighbouring countries of the EU
The global crisis that originated in developed economies has increasingly spread to emerging and developing countries via several transmission channels with negative spillovers. As a consequence EU neighbouring countries, being emerging and developing economies, face severe strains. The economies of the eastern EU neighbouring countries are expected to contract by 4% in 2009, being a 10 percentage point reduction in economic growth in comparison with 2008.
(30 June, 2009)
10,000 Erasmus Mundus scholarships for 2009-2010
The European Commission has just awarded almost 10,000 new grants to be funded by the Erasmus Mundus programme in the academic year 2009-2010. 8,385 students and academics will come to study or teach in Europe, and 1,561 Europeans will spend periods at partner institutions in countries outside Europe.
(1 July, 2009)
First Euro-Mediterranean forum on Civil Protection issues
Towards improved protection of citizens and tourists from natural and technological disasters in the Mediterranean region. On 21-22 July 2009, the 5 million euro EU-funded Euro-Mediterranean Programme on Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural and Man-made Disasters (PPRD South) will hold the first Meeting of the Programme National Correspondents in Rome.
(21 July, 2009)
Capturing a land of contrasts
Amateur photographers are being called to capture a land of contrasts in a competition organized for the second year by the Delegation of the European Commission in Cairo, with a €1,000 prize on offer for the winner. The theme of the Competition this year is ‘Egypt: Land of contrasts’. Entries will need to reflect the various aspects of life in Egypt in all their diversity: the old and the new, the classic and the contemporary, the rich and the poor, the traditional and the trendy…
(30 August, 2009)
First Farah El-Bahr Mediterranean Festival to take place in Alexandria
From 16 to 17 October 2009, the Anna Lindh Foundation invites residents of Egypt to participate to Farah El-Bahr, the first annual Mediterranean cultural festival taking place at Qaitbey Citadel in Alexandria.
(5 October, 2009)
EU remains leading activist in efforts to achieve universal abolition of death penalty
The EU considers the death penalty to be a cruel and inhuman punishment, which represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity. In its efforts against the death penalty, the EU is actively supported by states from all regions of the world. The EU encourages public debate, strengthening public opposition and putting pressure on retentionist countries to abolish the death penalty, or at least introduce a moratorium as a first step.
(10 October, 2009)
The European Commission provides Egypt with a further €140 million under the 2009 ENPI Annual Acti
The European Commission will make available a package worth €140 million to Egypt within the 2009 Annual Action Programme under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument.
(12 October, 2009)
Statement by Commissioner Vladimír Špidla on the International Day Against Poverty
Ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October, I would like to reiterate the European Commission’s commitment to tackling poverty and social exclusion across the European Union and beyond.
(15 October, 2009)
Egypt: Land of Contrasts - Student wins top photo prize in European Commission competition
A 25-year-old Middle Eastern Studies student from Germany has won €1,000 for his photo of Old Cairo, ‘Illuminations’. The picture simultaneously encapsulates the old and modern side of the City: a barber working in his new shop, against the backdrop of the old city walls, with presence of the sheep in the street reminding us of the more ancient aspects of the Egyptian life.
(1 November, 2009)
Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2009 - Invitation to contribute information
The Commission services are now beginning the preparations for the fourth package of progress reports, which will cover implementation in 2009 and which will be adopted in spring 2010. The purpose of this “ENP package” is to report on the progress achieved by the ENP partners in the implementation during 2009 of the commitments made in their respective ENP Action Plans, which are agreed between the EU and the country in question.
(3 November, 2009)
Quiz Climate Change
How much do you know about climate change?
(1 December, 2009)
Video statement of President Barroso on climate change
President Barroso has called for international agreement at the December UN Climate Change Conference - saying that “to achieve meaningful progress, we need to seal the deal with a global agreement in Copenhagen at the end of this year.”
(1 December, 2009)
Final Seminar: “Medibtikar and the Future of Innovation in the MEDA Region”
The Final Seminar is addressed at regional level and it is targeted at Medibtikar’s National Focal Points from the 10 MEDA countries, EC Delegation in Cairo, beneficiaries (two participants per country), the Medibtikar management team and experts who are involved in the Medibtikar Programme. It will present the overall activities carried out by the Medibtikar Programme, the general outcomes and achievements and the possible continuation of the more successful actions responding to the main goals of Medibtikar based on five priority axes; Services to Incubators & Technoparks, Technology Transfer, Innovation Finance, Innovation Management and Sector Support.
(8 December, 2009)
30th years of UN Women’s Rights Convention
The 30th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) provides a great opportunity to reflect about the world’s situation of women’s rights. In spite of progress in the promotion of gender equality, discriminations on the basis of gender are still pervasive in all societies. Gender equality is a chapter of close co-operation between the European Union and international and regional organisations. In particular, the European Union engages with partner countries to combat the practice of discriminatory laws. Through its financial instruments, the EU supports complementary efforts by civil society organisations, such as activities on advocacy, monitoring and support to victims.
(17 December, 2009)
The EU launches the “Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press” 2010
The contest for the fifth edition of the “Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press” is open to candidates from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Gulf until 30 March 2010. The “Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press”, which is awarded since 2006 by the European Union in collaboration with the Samir Kassir Foundation, honours the Lebanese journalist and writer Samir Kassir who was assassinated in 2005. It has grown in popularity since its creation, each year witnessing the participation of more candidates from the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and the Gulf. The award rewards two journalists who have proved to be an example to others by the quality of their work in the two following categories: the best opinion article, and the best investigative reporting article.
(27 January, 2010)
EU and NATO join forces to make women actors of peace and security
Today Vice-President Margot Wallström and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen hosted a high-level conference on women, peace and security. his conference saw the participation of Spanish First Vice-President Maria Teresa Fernández de la Vega, Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright alongside civil society representatives, military officials, high-level policy-makers and witnesses. The participants concluded that all EU and NATO-led operations must comply with UN resolutions relating to women, peace and security, and must be supported by appropriate training, education, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
(27 January, 2010)
Mounir and Maria Del Mar to make their first joint performance for dialogue across Mediterranean
At the Cairo Opera House, this coming Tuesday 3rd of March, the eminent Egyptian singer Mohammed Mounir will be performing with the renowned Spanish singer Maria Bonet Del Mar, at a one-off concert aimed at reinforcing the role of culture in rebuilding spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding across Europe and the Arab region.
(2 March, 2009)
Words and Notes: A visual Travel between Music and Literature
Ricerca e Cooperazione and El Sawy CultureWheel have launched the project “Words and Notes-A Visual travel between Music and Literature” funded by the Delegation of the EC in Egypt. This initiative aims at promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange between neighbouring Mediterranean countries, and at fostering reciprocal knowledge, leveraging on youth and on community participation and involvement.
(2 March, 2009)
Commission to co-sponsor Palestinian Donors Conference
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, will pledge on 2 March in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) €436 million ($554 million) to the Palestinian people for 2009 at the “Conference in Support of the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza”.
(27 February, 2009)
Launch of MEDIA International Call for Proposals
A Call for Proposals (2009/C 31/10) has been published under the ‘MEDIA International’ Preparatory Action, aimed at strengthening cooperation between audiovisual industries of third countries and European countries.
(25 February, 2009)
EU Presidency Statement on the bombing of a Cairo market
The Presidency strongly condemns the bombing of a busy Cairo market, which resulted in the tragic death of a French citizen and the injury of many other civilians. We express our sincere condolences to the family of the citizen killed and our deep sympathy to all those injured by this criminal act.
(25 February, 2009)
EU Ambassadors to Egypt visit projects funded by the European Union in Minia
The purpose of this trip was to look at the different projects funded by the European Union in the framework of the continuous EU-Egyptian cooperation. These projects cover different areas like basic education, human rights and civil society, social development and basic infrastructure, and SMEs support and micro credits.
(24 February, 2009)
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the settlement activities of Israel
The European Union condemns Israel’s planned settlement construction in the vicinity of the Adam settlement in the West Bank. If built, this will constitute a new settlement block.
(23 February, 2009)
EU announces additional €41 million for UNRWA in response to Gaza crisis
The European Commission has today announced an additional contribution of €41 million to support the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
(17 February, 2009)
Netherlands contributes €6 million through EU’s PEGASE
The Government of the Netherlands has made a contribution of €6 million (NIS 30,889,650) towards the wage bill for over 14,500 members of the Palestinian civil police force as well as members of civil defence services, such as fire-fighters and rescue services. The contribution has been channelled through PEGASE, the European mechanism for support to the Palestinians.
(17 February, 2009)
EU contributes €25.5 million through PEGASE
A total of 78,046 Palestinian public service providers and pensioners will today receive an overall contribution of over €25.5 million (NIS 122,036,077) towards the payment of their monthly salaries and pensions, through PEGASE, the European mechanism for support to the Palestinians.
(17 February, 2009)
Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner announces assistance of €149 million to Egypt
The EC is now making available a package worth €149 million to Egypt within the 2008 Annual Action Programme under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument. The focus of the programmes financed under this package will be on education, reforms in the transport sector, improvement of the water and waste water services and support for civil society.
(12 February, 2009)
Member States reinforce EC efforts to fund infrastructure projects in the EU neighbourhood
The signature of the “NIF Trust Fund Agreement” in the margins of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 26 January 2009, will allow EU Member States to provide additional funds to the Neighbourhood Investment Facility, a key lever of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
(9 February, 2009)
EU contributes €66 million to UNRWA
The European Commission has today provided a contribution of €66 million to the General Fund of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The €66 million contribution from the European Union will go to UNRWA’s core budget, the General Fund, helping to pay salaries for UNRWA’s teachers, doctors and social workers and enabling UNRWA to maintain delivery of essential services to Palestine refugees throughout Gaza, West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
(6 February, 2009)
Commission sets out proposals for global pact on climate change at Copenhagen
The European Commission today set out its proposals for a comprehensive and ambitious new global agreement to tackle climate change and how it could be financed. The new pact is due to be concluded at the Copenhagen UN climate conference in December. The Commission’s proposals include the creation of an OECD-wide carbon market by 2015 and of innovative international funding sources based on countries’ emissions and ability to pay.
(5 February, 2009)
EU film support goes global through MEDIA MUNDUS
The European Commission has adopted a new MEDIA MUNDUS programme, a broad international cooperation programme for the audiovisual industry, aiming to strengthen cultural and commercial relations between Europe’s film industry and film-makers of third countries. The EU will provide €15 million of funding from 2011-2013 for projects submitted by audiovisual professionals from the EU and third countries.
(4 February, 2009)
The European Commission calls for proposals for cultural activities in Egypt
The Delegation of the European Commission in Egypt has launched the annual call for proposals for cultural activities in Egypt. A total of € 250.000 will be awarded to projects that promote the dialogue and exchange between cultures, the mutual understanding and the visibility of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
(1 February, 2009)
Iraq: Commission welcomes provincial elections and announces new €72.6 million assistance package
The Commission is providing a new assistance package to Iraq of €72.6 million in support of the most vulnerable people and to help build the capacity of the Iraqi administration to provide basic services to the Iraqi citizens.
(30 January, 2009)
Louis Michel announces further € 58 mln in humanitarian aid for vulnerable Palestinian populations
The European Commission is launching the 2009 Global Plan allocating €58 million to assist the Palestinian populations. From this commitment around € 32 million will be earmarked to respond to the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza, €20 million will be for assistance to the West Bank, and the remaining €6 million is destined for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
(26 January, 2009)
EU-funded Seyada project launches IT training for staff of Palestinian justice system
The ‘Seyada’ Project’ for empowering the Palestinian judicial system has launched a series of information technology training courses for staff of the Palestinian justice system, including 164 new administrative recruits from the court and prosecution staff.
(21 January, 2009)
EU increases fuel deliveries to Gaza power plant to help recovery
The European Union has increased deliveries of industrial fuel for the Gaza power plant as an immediate step to help meet one of the population’s most basic needs and to kick-start the recovery process in the devastated Strip.
(21 January, 2009)
First airing of “Coiffeur Ashwaq” sitcom series on ART
The sitcom Series “Coiffeur Ashwaq” comes on top of the advertisement campaign launched by Media Arts for Development “MADEV”, within the framework of a project called “Capture Life”, 32% co-funded by the European Union through the Delegation of the European Commission in Egypt, that tackles many social issues through TV comedies.
(20 January, 2009)
EU Commissioner statement ahead of Foreign Ministers meetings with Israel and Arab counterparts
Statement of Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner ahead of Foreign Ministers meetings with Israel and Arab counterparts
(20 January, 2009)
Statement by EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner
Statement by Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy: It was indispensable to have a ceasefire. I welcome the fact that Israel has declared a ceasefire. I call on Hamas to refrain from any violence in order to allow for an end to the terrible human suffering. It should also allow the EU and other donors to deliver much needed humanitarian assistance.”
(20 January, 2009)
Launch of the “Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press” 2009
The contest for the fourth edition of the “Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press” is open to candidates from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Gulf from 15 January to 30 March 2009.
(15 January, 2009)
Kharita 01: Symposium on urban trajectories in Cairo
The Kharita symposium is the first public event of an ongoing initiative that explores multiple urban orders simultaneously at play within Cairo.
(14 January, 2009)
Joint EU effort helps Palestinian Authority meet first wages and pensions bill of the year
The Netherlands and Ireland have joined forces with the European Commission to help provide funds for the first payment of salaries and pensions in 2009, which will benefit 78,162 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and Gaza. The joint European contribution, which will reach recipients’ bank accounts today, amounts to over €25 million (around NIS 134 million), and is channelled through PEGASE, the European mechanism for support to the Palestinians.
(12 January, 2009)
EU Presidency Statement on the Middle East
The Presidency is deeply concerned over the continuing Israeli military action in Gaza and the continuation of indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel. We call on all parties to restrain from acts that further escalate an already tense situation.
(9 January, 2009)
EU and Egypt sign agreement on Energy
The European Commission and the Arab Republic of Egypt will sign today in Brussels a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance EU-Egypt energy cooperation.
(2 December, 2008)
Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme Information workshops in Ismailiah on 1 December
The European Commission recently approved financing for the Mediterranean Sea Basin European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument Cross Border Cooperation (ENPI CBC) Programme 2007-2013 which is part of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
(25 November, 2008)
Universal Children Day – Focus on fight against child labour
Joint Statement of Commissioners Ferrero-Waldner, Ashton, Michel and Špidla.
(20 November, 2008)
ROSETTA: ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE BETWEEN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND THE NILE
A Panel Exhibition Presenting the Unique Heritage of a Modern Egyptian Town in the Delta
(19 November, 2008)
Bentita Ferrero-Waldner on the closing of Gaza crossings
“I am profoundly concerned about the consequences for the Gazan population of the complete closure of all Gaza crossings for deliveries of fuel and basic humanitarian assistance,” begins the Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy’s statement.
(18 November, 2008)
The Jazz Factory A European Arab Music Celebration - Cairo, 5 to 14 November 2008
Cairo will host for the first time a unique celebration of European and Arabic music. The Jazz Factory is an initiative by the European Commission’s Delegation to Egypt, together with the Embassies of Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, the United Kingdom and France.
(3 November, 2008)
Final Regional Conference EUROMED AUDIOVISUAL II
On 10-11 November 2008, the 15 million euro EU-funded Euromed Audiovisual Programme will hold its final regional conference at the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel in Cairo before coming to an end in December 2008 after three years of activities.
(3 November, 2008)
CARAVAN of the Euro-Arab Cinema SEMATannounces the launch of the Docu & Short - Oct. 26-30 in Cairo
Throughout the past three years the Caravan screened more than 300 European & Arab films including features, long & short, documentaries & short narratives, touring more than 16 European & Arab cities inviting renowned filmmakers, holding Q&A’s, panels, open discussions & press conferences in addition to the special programs & tributes.
(30 October, 2008)
Mediterranean archaeology experts meet in Cairo
Archaeologists from around the world met in Cairo at an international conference to discuss the intercultural contacts between the countries of the Mediterranean in antiquity.
(29 October, 2008)
EU supports government of Egypt’s efforts to combat Avian Flu
The Government of Egypt is organizing the 2008 International Ministerial Conference on Avian and Pandemic Influenza. This conference is organized as a collaboration between the Government of Egypt, the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza and the European Union with the support of the European Commission, the US Government and different organizations within the UN system.
(22 October, 2008)
Cairo witnesses the signature of the contract to install a Ranging and Monitoring Integrity Station
General Ahmed Shafiq, Minister of Civil Aviation of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Dr Klaus Ebermann, EU Ambassador to Egypt will open a regional workshop on Final Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Regional Plan at 9:30 a.m. on October 22nd, 2008 at le Passage Hotel near Cairo International Airport. The installation of Ranging and Monitoring Integrity Station (RIMS) stations will make possible the use of the GPS signal to benefit form satellite positioning into safety-of –life transport applications (e.g. aviation, maritime).
(22 October, 2008)
“Egypt: Life in a picture” photo competition deadline extended until 26th of October 2008
The deadline for the 1st photography Competition “Egypt: Life in a picture” organized by the Delegation of the European Commission is extended to Sunday 26th of October 2008.
(22 October, 2008)
Commissioner Mandelson resigns to join UK government
The member of the Commission responsible for trade, Peter Mandelson, has today submitted his resignation to the Commission President, José Manuel Barroso. Mr Mandelson resigns to accept the invitation by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to join the government.
(7 October, 2008)
Women, peace and security – boosting awareness and action of UN resolution 1325
Over forty women leaders from politics, business, civil society, including Egypt’s Fayza Aboulnaga have asked UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to convene a ministerial level meeting in 2010 to review implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
(29 September, 2008)
European Union and Palestinian Authority provide social allowances Palestinian families
The European Union and the Palestinian Authority launched today the payment of social allowances to over 46,000 vulnerable Palestinian families across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The assistance takes the form of an allowance of NIS 1,000 (around €200) per household, which is being channelled through the European mechanism, PEGASE.
(22 September, 2008)
The Delegation of the European Commission organises its First Photography Competition in Egypt
The Delegation of the European Commission in Cairo is organising its 1st Photography Competition in Egypt. The theme of the Competition is ‘Egypt: Life in a picture’, and participating photos will need to reflect the different faces and aspects of today’s Egypt. The aim of this competition is to promote and stimulate creativity among amateur photographers in Egypt, and to give them an opportunity to showcase their work to a wide audience.
(10 September, 2008)
Joint declaration of Paris summit for Mediterranean
Euro-Mediterranean Heads of states and government meeting in Paris on 13 July 2008, inspired by the shared political will to revitalise efforts to transform the Mediterranean into an area of peace, democracy, cooperation and prosperity, agree to adopt a joint declaration during Paris summit “The Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean”.
(14 July, 2008)
The European Commission calls for proposals for the promotion of human rights in Egypt
The European Commission has launched a call for proposals aimed at “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in Promoting Human Rights and Democratic Reform” in Egypt. Financial assistance worth 873,000 Euros from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights will be awarded to projects that support democratic electoral processes, promote social and economic rights or combat torture and ill-treatment. The deadline for proposal submissions is 9 October 2008.
(14 July, 2008)
Paris summit will launch “Barcelona process: union for the mediterranean”
This Sunday 13 July will see the launch of the “Barcelona process: union for the mediterranean”. The summit will be hosted by the EU French presidency, uniting Heads of state and government of the EU and the Mediterranean, as well as the President of the European Commission. This ambitious initiative aims at giving new depth and direction to Euro-Mediterranean relations, while maintaining and reiterating the original ambitions of the Barcelona declaration concerning the creation of an area of peace, security and prosperity.
(12 July, 2008)
Euro-Mediterranean Master’s programme (MasterEuromed)
Under the EU-funded TEMPUS programme, a Master’s Degree in Euro-Mediterranean studies has been established at the Faculty of Economics & Political Science at Cairo University. The Master’s programme is based on a consortium including prestigious universities including Cairo University and four European universities: the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Universidad de Barcelona and the Freie Universität Berlin.
(9 July, 2008)
EC President Barroso G8 statement
After the G8 working session on Climate Change on Tuesday 8 July European Commission President Barroso declared that he is very happy about the results of the G8 on climate change. He added that the EU’s benchmark for success at this Summit has been achieved.
(8 July, 2008)
Summary of remarks by Javier SOLANA at the European Socialist party conference
Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, participated in the European Socialist Party Conference on the Middle East at the European Parliament. The High Representative strongly condemned the morning’s events in Jerusalem which took place just prior to the conference. He expressed the hope that the events will not undermine the truce in Gaza and the efforts deployed in the current negotiations.
(2 July, 2008)
Lebanon: Commission increases its aid to the victims of the Nahr Al Bared crisis to €28 million
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relation and Neighbourhood Policy, will co-chair the International Donor Conference for the Recovery and Reconstruction of the Palestinian Refugee Camp at Nahr Al Bared taking place on 23 June in Vienna. The Commission plays a vital role as one of the biggest donors helping the victims of last year’s fighting between Lebanese armed forces and the Islamic movement Fatah al Islam.
(20 June, 2008)
Statement by Javier SOLANA on the truce in and around Gaza
Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, made the following statement to reporters on the truce in Gaza: “The truce that came into effect this morning is a very welcome development. I hope it will provide momentum for the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. I should also like to congratulate Egypt on its successful role in mediating the agreement on the truce which I urge the parties to respect in full.”
(19 June, 2008)
Statement by Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the truce between Israel and Hamas
Following the announcement of a truce between Israel and Hamas, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, said that she welcomed the agreement between Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian factions which was brokered by Egypt. She also expressed appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to facilitate this agreement as the people of Gaza and southern Israel had suffered too long.
(18 June, 2008)
EU-Egypt holds first sub-committee on political matters
The Egypt Government and Senior European Union officials met on 2-3 June in Brussels for the first sub-committee on political matters: human rights and democracy, international and regional issues.The meeting established under the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, adopted on 6 March 2007, aimed to facilitate dialogue, within a context of mutual understanding and respect for the positions of both parties, on all aspects of human rights and democracy, international and regional issues, in a comprehensive and non-exclusive way.
(2 June, 2008)
Cultural weekend connects Alexandria to people across Euro-Mediterranean region
People from across Egypt are gathering in Alexandria for a full weekend of music performances, international food fairs and cultural exchange taking place between the 22nd and the 24th May 2008.For the very first time thousands of people from the countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region will gather in one common event for dialogue, with events held in synchronisation ranging from intercultural concerts in Beirut and Barcelona to public debates and gatherings in the squares of Napoli and Rabat.
(15 May, 2008)
Fourth EU-Egypt Association Council held in Luxembourg
Government ministers and officials from Egypt and the European Union met at the 4th Association Council on 28 April in Luxembourg to review EU-Egypt relations and progress made under the Association Agreement and the year-old European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, as well as to discuss international issues, including developments in the Middle East.
(4 May, 2008)
Delegation website: http://www.delegy.ec.europa.eu/en/index.htm