EU and Egypt sign joint declaration to boost cooperation on sustainable water management

On 9 December, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius on behalf of the EU and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Arab Republic of Egypt Hani Sewilam signed a Joint Declaration in the margins of COP28, establishing a sustainable water partnership. The Declaration marks a step forward in EU-Egypt environmental cooperation, which is already long-established.  

The Declaration establishes high-level annual meetings, new structures for cooperation including a joint working group and could help to organise a possible water forum for businesses. It aims to support Egypt’s water security by sustainably managing the limited water resources available. It promotes regular structured dialogue and policy exchanges that can inform strengthened technological, scientific, and management capabilities of both Egypt and the EU. This partnership can become a model for similar partnerships on the African continent, where Egypt with its Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 already plays a leading role.