Egypt has officially become an associated country to Horizon Europe, opening a new chapter in its scientific cooperation with the European Union
The agreement allows Egyptian organisations to participate in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) on the same footing as institutions based in EU Member States and other associated countries.
This development means that universities, research centres, and other eligible organisations in Egypt can apply as beneficiaries for all MSCA 2026 calls for proposals, as well as future calls under the Horizon Europe 2021–2027 programme.
Egyptian entities can now directly access funding, join or lead international research consortia, and play a stronger role in collaborative European research projects.
Expanding opportunities for researchers
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions are among Europe’s flagship funding schemes for doctoral education, postdoctoral training, and international research mobility. The programme is open to researchers from around the world and supports cross-border and cross-sector collaboration.
Egyptian researchers have already been active participants in MSCA projects under Horizon Europe, even before the country’s formal association. Between 2021 and 2025, 14 Egyptian organisations took part in 20 MSCA-funded projects. Their involvement focused largely on Staff Exchanges and Doctoral Networks, two key components of the programme designed to foster skills development and knowledge sharing.
During that period, Egyptian institutions hosted 14 international MSCA researchers, while nearly 100 Egyptian researchers received support through MSCA-funded projects. With full association now in place, participation is expected to grow both in scale and impact.
Official signing of the agreement
Egypt formally joined Horizon Europe on 22 October 2025, when the Association Agreement was signed during the EU–Egypt Summit.
When they joined Horizon Europe, Egypt became the second African country to associate with the EU’s multibillion-euro research and innovation programme. The move shows a growing partnership between Egypt and the European Union in science, technology, and innovation.
What does association mean in practice?
As an associated country, Egypt now has access to all parts of Horizon Europe on terms similar to those of EU Member States.
Egyptian institutions can coordinate projects, receive funding directly from the European Commission, and contribute to shaping research agendas in areas ranging from climate change and renewable energy to health, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
The agreement also strengthens Egypt’s involvement in regional research initiatives, including the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area. This initiative supports cooperation on water management, sustainable farming systems, and resilient food value chains, issues of strategic importance across the Mediterranean region.
Full association is expected to boost institutional capacity-building within Egypt’s research ecosystem. By engaging more deeply in European networks, Egyptian universities and research organisations can enhance their competitiveness, modernise research management practices, and expand international collaboration.
