The European Union Promises Funding Of 7.4 Billion Euros To Contain Migrant Flows To Europe

JAKARTA - The European Union announced a funding package of 7.4 billion euros and increased cooperation with Egypt Sunday, as part of efforts to stem the flow of migrants to Europe criticized by human rights groups.

The agreement raised EU relations with Egypt to a "strategic partnership", announced when delegates from the bloc leaders visited Cairo. The agreement is designed to increase cooperation in various fields including renewable energy, trade and security, as well as grants, loans, and other funding over the next three years to support the weakening Egyptian economy.

The proposed funding includes a soft loan of 5 billion euros and an investment of 1.8 billion euros, according to a summary published by the EU. While another 600 million euros will be awarded in grants, including 200 million euros to manage migration.

Such a deal is the best way to tackle the flow of migration, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who traveled to Cairo with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister, Austria and Belgium, and Cyprus President, reported by Reuters on March 18.

Egypt closed most irregular migrations from the north coast in 2016. However, there has recently been an increase in the number of Egyptian citizens trying to cross into Europe via Libya. The EU has provided support aimed at reducing the flow.

In recent months, the islands of Crete and Gavdos in Greece have seen a sharp increase in the arrival of migrants, mostly from Egypt, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

"We must prevent the opening of new migration routes and we will work closely with Egypt to ensure this is achieved," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, adding the two countries would seek to open a legal route for migration.

Separately, activists criticized Western support for President Sisi, who came to power a decade ago, after leading the overthrow of the first democratically elected Egyptian leader.

The EU says expanding its partnership with Egypt aims to encourage democracy and freedom. However, the European Union's move to offer financing in exchange for migration restrictions in other countries included Tunisia encountering obstacles and criticism.

"The blue brain is the same as the weakness of the EU agreement with Tunisia and Mauritania: stop migrants, ignore violations," said Human Rights Watch. Most of the EU funding has just been allocated and compiled in close cooperation with the IMF, with loan funds "macro finance" of 1 billion euros to be distributed this year, said a senior EU official.

The remaining 4 billion euros must be approved by the European parliament, the official added.

It is known that the governments of European countries have long been concerned about the risk of instability in Egypt, a country of 106 million people who have difficulty getting foreign currency and economic difficulties that have prompted an increasing number of people migrating.

Inflation is near record high and many Egyptian citizens say it is difficult for them to survive. However, over the past month, financial pressure has eased as Egypt reached its highest agreement on investment in the United Arab Emirates, expanding its program with the IMF, and devaluating its currency sharply.

Diplomats say the importance of Egypt's strategic interests has been emphasized by the war in Gaza, in which Egypt seeks to mediate between Israel and Hamas and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid; and the conflict in neighboring Sudan, which has created the world's largest evacuation crisis.