Egypt, EU discuss water partnership enhancements

Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hany Swailem, met with the Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt, Angelina Eichhorst, to discuss enhancing water partnerships and aligning strategic plans for 2024–2027 with the ministry’s priorities. The meeting also included preparations for the 8th Cairo Water Week, scheduled for October 2025.

Minister Swailem highlighted key projects with EU member states, including the National Drainage Programme Phase III, the Kitchener Drain Rehabilitation Project, the Project to Modernise Irrigation Technologies for Small Farmers in Upper Egypt, the Joint Integrated Sector Approach (NDP III – JISA), and Monitoring Land and Water Productivity through Remote Sensing – Phase II” project.

Amid limited water resources, Egypt is prioritising water efficiency through its Irrigation System 2.0 initiative. This includes modernising infrastructure, automating water management, adopting eco-friendly canal rehabilitation, expanding modern irrigation systems, advancing water recycling and desalination, and leveraging AI and digital technologies to enhance governance.

The discussion also reviewed the European Green Facility initiative under the Team Europe Initiatives (‘TEIs’), signed during the 7th Cairo Water Week in 2024, to promote sustainable water management and collaboration between Egypt and the EU.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama