With a total of 60 projects selected for this phase, benefiting various Mediterranean countries, the program has secured €134 million in funding, of which €119 million is provided by the EU.
Egypt has successfully secured participation in 26 projects under the first phase of the INTERREG NEXT MED cross-border cooperation program, funded by the European Union.
This achievement highlights the country’s commitment to fostering regional development and innovation across multiple sectors.
With a total of 60 projects selected for this phase, benefiting various Mediterranean countries, the program has secured €134 million in funding, of which €119 million is provided by the EU.
Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, announced that Egypt’s success in this initiative is a result of national coordination efforts in collaboration with key stakeholders.
She emphasized that the selected projects align with the government’s broader strategy to enhance economic development, entrepreneurship, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability.
These projects will contribute to sectors such as scientific research, small and medium enterprises, tourism, education, and social inclusion, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a key player in regional cooperation.
Initiatives in this phase aim to improve water resource management, waste reduction, renewable energy development, and integrated coastal zone management.
The partnership with the European Union through the INTERREG NEXT MED program reflects a shared vision for long-term, sustainable development across the Mediterranean region.
Al-Mashat highlighted that 18 Egyptian entities will benefit from funding in this phase, with some participating in multiple projects.
Among these entities are the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, SEKEM Development Association, the Confederation of Egyptian-European Business Associations (CEEBA), the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, the National Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries, the British University in Egypt, as well as several civil society organizations.
While the first call for projects has been successfully completed, the second call remains open until April 15, 2025.
This phase prioritizes green transformation and sustainability, encouraging projects that contribute to an environmentally friendly economic shift.
The INTERREG NEXT MED program operates at a regional level, covering Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and seven European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Portugal.
Within Egypt, eligible governorates benefiting from the funding include Cairo, Alexandria, Dakahlia, Kafr El-Sheikh, Sharqia, Beheira, Ismailia, Port Said, Marsa Matrouh, and Damietta, providing broad opportunities for development projects in vital sectors.
The INTERREG NEXT MED program, now in its third generation, is one of the largest EU-funded cooperation initiatives aimed at fostering cross-border collaboration in the Mediterranean region.
