EU and Egypt deepen cooperation on water issues at Cairo Water Week

The first EU-Egypt High-Level Dialogue on Water launched at Cairo Water Week on Sunday (12 Oct), marking a significant milestone in their growing partnership on sustainable water management and climate resilience. 

The Dialogue, co-chaired for the EU by the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall,and for Egypt by His Excellency, Hank Sewilam, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, builds on the EU-Egypt Water Partnership, established in 2023 – the first and only partnership of its kind in Africa – aimed at strengthening cooperation in managing water resources, promoting innovation, and mobilising investment.

Confirming the EU’s continued commitment to joint action on water challenges, Commissioner Roswall said:-

“Water is our most precious resource and the lifeblood of our world. Water resilience is a shared challenge that requires global cooperation. With this partnership, we are not only addressing Egypt’s local needs but also contributing to global water security, climate adaptation, and regional stability.” 

Shared priorities and action plan

The Dialogue resulted in a two-year work programme focused on:-

• Integrated Water Resources Management
• Circular economy solutions for water reuse and efficiency
• Climate adaptation and risk management (floods and droughts)
• Safe reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture
• Private sector investment and financing opportunities 

Over 70% of Egypt’s water is used in agriculture. The EU is supporting investment in high-efficiency irrigation and canal rehabilitation, with the private sector playing a crucial role in delivering smart technologies. 

To address Egypt’s growing water demand, driven by climate change and population growth, the Partnership supports sustainable desalination and water reuse projects using transparent Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. 

Closing the water investment gap

Global water infrastructure needs are estimated to reach as much as €6 trillion by 2030, yet less than 2% of current investment comes from the private sector. The EU-Egypt Water Partnership seeks to close this gap by:-

• Derisking large projects through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+)
• Supporting transparent PPP frameworks to attract commercial finance
• Offering technical and regulatory assistance to improve Egypt’s investment environment 

The EU also supports new legislation to boost private sector participation, providing clarity and incentives for investors in Egypt’s water sector. 

Background

Water scarcity is a growing global threat. By 2030, global demand is projected to exceed supply by 40%. In Europe, extreme weather has already caused economic losses of €43 billion.

In Egypt, water security is an urgent priority: the country relies almost entirely on the Nile River, with per capita availability declining sharply due to population growth and climate change. 

The EU-Egypt Water Partnership aligns with the European Water Resilience Strategy, which outlines a global vision for water cooperation through:-

• Supporting water infrastructure globally
• Championing integrated water resources management
• Advancing water diplomacy and transboundary coordination
• Closing the sector's investment gap
• Building strategic partnerships in regions like the Mediterranean
• Scaling up nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration 

Water is a key pillar of the EU’s cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa, including countries like Morocco, Jordan, and institutions like the Union for the Mediterranean. The EU continues to lead on global water issues, including in the lead-up to the next UN Water Conference. 

More information

EU efforts on the global water agenda | European Commission