26 Egyptian projects within the first phase of the cross-border cooperation program for Mediterranean countries
26 Egyptian projects within the first phase of the cross-border cooperation program for Mediterranean countries
Within the framework of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, Egypt achieved a new achievement that reflects the extent of integration of national efforts with international initiatives, as 26 Egyptian projects were approved in the first phase of the cross-border cooperation program for the Mediterranean Basin “NTERREG NEXT MED”, among 60 projects in that phase, with a total funding of 134 million euros, of which 119 million euros were provided by the European Union.
This cooperation reflects Egypt’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal (9) “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure,” and Goal (17) “Forging Partnerships to Achieve the Goals”; These projects enhance innovation and technology and support sustainable infrastructure, which contributes to enhancing regional development and achieving economic integration among Mediterranean countries.
In this sense,Earth Guards seeks in this article to shed light on this partnership that contributes to supporting development efforts and enhancing sustainability. So follow with us the details of the topic, and learn how developments in this partnership can contribute to achieving a more sustainable future for Egypt and the entire region.
The importance of the cross-border cooperation program
INTERREG NEXT MED is a major initiative funded by the European Union to support cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean. With a desire to achieve smart, sustainable and comprehensive development throughout the region, and this is through supporting projects that address common social, economic and environmental challenges, such as promoting advanced technology, improving the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises, raising energy efficiency, managing water resources, and adapting toclimate change.
The list of countries participating in and benefiting from the program includes Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan, in addition to seven European countries: France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Portugal. At the local level, the Egyptian governorates eligible to benefit from the funds include Cairo, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, Alexandria, Sharkia, Marsa Matrouh, Port Said, Beheira, Ismailia, and Damietta. Which enhances the opportunities for implementing development projects in various vital sectors.
Sustainable development is the focus of the winning projects
In this context, the importance of the winning projects in achieving sustainable development in various sectors is highlighted. In this regard, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation announced that the winning projects in the first phase will be implemented in Egypt alongside a number of other countries, in accordance with the approach adopted by the program to promote regional development in the Mediterranean region. Accordingly, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat – Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation – explained that the development sectors covered by the projects include small and medium enterprises, tourism, education, scientific research, technological development, innovation, and social inclusion.
These projects are consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they contribute to achieving Goal (4) “Quality Education” by supporting scientific research and innovation, and Goal (8) “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” in addition to Goal (11) “Sustainable Cities and Local Communities,” through developing infrastructure and enhancing urban sustainability.
The Minister added that these projects are not limited to economic aspects only, but also address pressing environmental issues, as they include initiatives to combat climate change, enhance environmental sustainability, improve water resources management, waste management, developrenewable energy, and support integrated management of coastal areas.
National coordination for optimization
Al-Mashat confirmed that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation – as the national coordinator of the program – organized extensive workshops and meetings with various national authorities to introduce the criteria for preparing and formulating projects eligible for financing, and was also keen to provide the concerned authorities with the necessary information on how to apply, and prepare project proposals for the second phase, in which submission is available until April 15, 2025.
The Minister indicated that 18 Egyptian entities will benefit from the funds at this stage, as some entities participated in more than one successful project, and the list of beneficiaries includes: the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Federation of Egyptian-European Business Organizations, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, and the British University in Egypt, in addition to a number of civil society organizations that had a pivotal role in developing Projects.
Earth Guards believes that this partnership represents a real breakthrough towards a more sustainable future, as it opens broad horizons for environmental and technological innovation, and achieving a more flexible economic transformation. Therefore, it calls on national authorities to take advantage of these opportunities and participate seriously in future projects that contribute to achieving sustainable development for Egypt and the entire region.
