The deal, which elevates the EU's relationship with Egypt to a “strategic partnership”, has drawn criticism from human rights groups.
The European Union has announced a 7.4 billion euro ($8.06 billion) aid package and an improved relationship with Egypt, part of a new agreement to curb migration flows to Europe that has been criticized by human rights groups.
The agreement is scheduled to be signed during a visit on Sunday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, according to officials.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met separately with von der Leyen and other European leaders before the signing ceremony.
The aid package includes grants and loans for the next three years, and the EU says it is upgrading its relationship with the Arab world's most populous country to a “strategic partnership.”
The proposed financing includes 5 billion euros ($5.45 billion) in concessional loans and 1.8 billion euros ($1.96 billion) in investments, according to a summary of the plan published by the EU. An additional €600 million ($654 million) in grants would be provided, including €200 million ($218 million) to manage migration issues.
El-Sisi's office said in a statement that the agreement with the EU aims to achieve “a significant leap in cooperation and coordination between the two parties and achieve common interests.”
Egypt's economic uncertainty has pushed many to migrate from the Arab nation, and Europe is interested in curbing migration from Egypt and other parts of North Africa.
But European governments are worried about the consequences of growing instability in Egypt, which has been struggling to raise foreign currency and has inflation near record levels.
However, earlier this month, the country reached a record deal for Emirati investment, expanded its lending program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and sharply devalued its currency.
'Faulty plan'
The deal comes amid growing concerns that Israel's impending ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, could force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flood into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The Israeli war on Gaza, now in its sixth month, has driven more than a million people to Rafah.
Egypt says there are nine million migrants, including about 480,000 who are registered as refugees and asylum seekers with the United Nations refugee agency. Many of those immigrants have established their own businesses, while others work in the huge informal economy as street vendors and house cleaners.
But Egyptian officials say Cairo deserves credit for having largely shut down irregular migration from its northern coast since 2016, although there has been a rise in Egyptians trying to cross into Europe through Libya, and the EU is already providing support. aimed at reducing those flows.
In recent months, the Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos have seen a sharp increase in migrant arrivals – mainly from Egypt, Bangladesh and Pakistan – raising concerns about a new smuggling route in the Mediterranean.
Activists have criticized Western backing for El-Sisi, who came to power a decade ago after leading the overthrow of Egypt's first democratically elected leader.
A crackdown has swept away dissidents from across the political spectrum, while the state and military have expanded their control over the economy, which, according to businessmen and analysts, has prevented the structural reforms demanded by the IMF.
El-Sisi's supporters say security measures are needed to stabilize Egypt and pave the way for providing social rights such as housing and employment.
The EU says its expanded partnership with Egypt aims to promote democracy and freedoms, but its moves to offer funding in exchange for migration restrictions have run into obstacles and criticism.
“The plan is the same as the EU's flawed deals with Tunisia and Mauritania: detain migrants, ignore abuses,” Human Rights Watch said of the plan to improve ties with Egypt and provide new funding.
Amnesty International also urged European leaders not to be complicit in the rights violations taking place in Egypt.
“EU leaders must ensure that Egyptian authorities adopt clear human rights standards,” said Eve Geddie, director of Amnesty International's European Institutions Bureau.
