New Milestone in EU-Egypt Relations: A Partnership for Water Resilience
Cairo, 11 December 2023
Media Advisory
New Milestone in EU-Egypt Relations: A Partnership for Water Resilience
At COP28, a significant stride in EU-Egypt environmental collaboration was achieved with Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hany Sewilam signing a Joint Declaration to establish a sustainable water partnership. This marks a pivotal moment in the longstanding environmental cooperation between the EU and Egypt.
? Key Highlights of the Declaration:
- Establishment of High-Level Annual Meetings: A forum for strategic discussions and decision-making.
- Formation of a Joint Working Group: Enhancing cooperation with a structured approach.
- Prospective Water Forum for Businesses: A platform to engage and synergize business efforts towards water security.
? Aims of the Partnership:
- To bolster Egypt's water security through sustainable management of its scarce water resources.
- To foster regular dialogues and policy exchanges, enhancing technological, scientific, and management capabilities in both regions.
- Setting a precedent for similar partnerships across Africa, with Egypt leading by example through its Sustainable Development Strategy 2030.
? Commissioner Sinkevičius's Message:
"Water stress is intensifying globally. Enhancing our water resilience is central to pre-empting and resolving the imminent health, food, and energy crises. The EU-Egypt Partnership on water reflects our commitment to collaboratively tackle this universal challenge."
? Background and Future Prospects:
- This Joint Declaration is a continuation of the robust EU-Egypt environmental cooperation and aligns with the Team Europe Initiative on Water and Food Security.
- The UN Water Conference in March underscored the need for an integrated approach to simultaneously address climate change and the interlinked water, energy, food, and ecosystems crises.
- In 2024, the European Commission will introduce an initiative on water resilience, as announced by President Ursula von der Leyen, to build a shared understanding of global water stress challenges and strategize a water-resilient future.
? Stay tuned for more updates and collaborative achievements in this vital sector.
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