Hommam Al Nassim 
The EU is preparing a €7.4 billion aid package to support Egypt with the aim of stopping illegal migration.
The measures come amid fears that conflicts in Gaza and Sudan could exacerbate Cairo’s financial woes and increase migration pressure on Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to travel to Cairo on Sunday with the prime ministers of Greece, Italy, and Belgium to finalize and announce the agreement.
The proposed deal is the latest in a series of EU agreements with North African countries, such as Tunisia and Mauritania, aimed at avoiding economic instability in Europe’s neighbors and stemming illegal migration from Africa.
The planned package includes 7.4 billion euros (about $8 billion) in grants and loans until the end of 2027, of which 1 billion euros in emergency financial assistance can be provided immediately.
A few days ago, Mauritania signed an agreement with the European Union for joint cooperation in the fight against irregular migration, which includes various points, including preventing waves of migrants from flowing towards European coasts, especially Spain, and returning Mauritanian migrants who do not have the right to reside on European territory.
The agreement also includes asylum cooperation and assistance to Mauritania to accommodate foreign asylum seekers on its territory.
Mauritania will receive financial aid from the European Union and Spain, worth more than 500 million euros, and pledges to set up road and electric power projects.
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