Egypt, EU initial extension of PRIMA agreement

Egypt and the European Union have initialled the extension of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) agreement in Cairo on Wednesday.

The initialling coincids with the launch event the EU’s Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025.

Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour and EU Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst witnessed the initialling, along with senior officials from both sides.

“The positive outcome of these negotiations underscores the strategic importance of PRIMA as a flagship research and innovation initiative in the Mediterranean region.” the EU said in a statement.

Minister Ashour said the PRIMA plays a key role in strengthening Egypt’s national research capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as agriculture, water management, and SME development. He added that the collaboration aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and supports job creation and industrial competitiveness.

“PRIMA helps Egypt tackle shared regional challenges through joint innovation, while enabling our researchers and businesses to access funding and knowledge networks,” Minister Ashour further said in a ministry statement.

Since joining PRIMA in 2017, Egypt has participated in 90 projects, securing €17 million in funding for 123 institutions, including universities, research centers, and private firms, according to the EU delegation.

Eichhorst described PRIMA as a model of science diplomacy, fostering regional cooperation on pressing issues such as food security and water scarcity. It promotes joint leadership and ownership in solving challenges that are common to Mediterranean countries, she added.

The PRIMA programme, launched in 2018, is backed by a €494 million budget over 10 years. Participating countries have pledged €294 million, with the remainder funded by the European Commission. The initiative supports cross-border research and innovation projects aimed at improving food and water systems in the face of climate change and population growth.

The preliminary signing marks a step toward formal renewal of Egypt’s role in PRIMA, pending completion of constitutional and legal procedures.

About PRIMA?

The Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is a public-public institutionalised Article 185 European Partnership between the EU and Participating States.

It aims to strengthen research and innovation capacity and develop shared knowledge and innovative solutions across the Mediterranean in the following thematic areas:

• water management
• farming systems
• food value chain

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English