The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation held several workshops and meetings with national entities to inform them about the standards for preparing and drafting projects.
The winning projects enhance development in various sectors, such as scientific research, innovation, SMEs, and climate action, and are being implemented in Egypt and other countries.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, announced the success of the national coordination efforts led by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, in cooperation with relevant national bodies, in enhancing Egypt's participation in 26 projects in the 1st phase of the INTERREG NEXT MED cross-border cooperation program for the Mediterranean Basin. This phase includes 60 projects benefiting various countries in the Mediterranean region, with a total funding of 134 million euros, of which 119 million euros are funded by the European Union.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat highlighted that the 26 projects will be implemented in Egypt and a number of countries as part of the program's approach to promoting regional development in the Mediterranean countries. H.E. pointed out that the programs and projects cover various development sectors, including the development of small and medium enterprises, tourism, education, scientific research, technological development, innovation, and social inclusion.
Furthermore, given the increasing environmental challenges, the funded projects include initiatives aimed at combating climate change, promoting environmental sustainability, improving water resource management, waste management, developing renewable energy, and supporting integrated coastal zone management.
This comes as part of the close partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Union, and efforts to strengthen regional cooperation through the INTERREG NEXT MED cooperation Programme.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, as the national coordinator for the program, organized a series of informational sessions aimed at encouraging various entities to submit projects and benefit from the available funding opportunities. These sessions provided relevant bodies with the necessary information on how to apply and prepare project proposals for the second call for proposals.
The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation stated that 18 Egyptian entities are set to benefit from funding under this phase, as some Egyptian entities have participated in more than one winning project. These include 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 a number of civil society organizations that played a key role in project implementation.
The program is being implemented through three calls for participation. The first call has been successfully completed, while the second call remains open for applications until April 15, 2025.
The priority of this call is to achieve green results and promote an inclusive approach to environmental sustainability, reflecting the partner countries' commitment to achieving a sustainable, environment friendly economic transformation. Applications for the second call can be submitted through the following link:
? https://www.interregnextmed.eu/apply-for-funding/second-call-for-proposals/
The program is implemented at the Mediterranean countries level, with participating countries including Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and seven European countries: France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Portugal. Additionally, the eligible Egyptian governorates to benefit from the funding include Cairo, Kafr El Sheikh, Dakahlia, Alexandria, Sharqia, Marsa Matrouh, Port Said, Beheira, Ismailia, and Damietta, providing broad opportunities for implementing development projects in various vital sectors.
The INTERREG NEXT MED program is the 3rd generation of one of the largest cooperation initiatives funded by the European Union to promote cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean region. The program aims to contribute to smart, sustainable, and inclusive development across the Mediterranean Basin by supporting balanced, long-term cooperation and multi-level governance. The program's mission is to fund cooperative projects that address common social, economic, environmental, and governance challenges across the Mediterranean, such as adopting advanced technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises, creating job opportunities, improving energy efficiency, sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, transitioning to a circular and resource-efficient economy, education and training, healthcare, and more.
To learn more about the selected projects in the 1st phase:
https://www.interregnextmed.eu/interreg-next-med-programme-adopts-60-projects-for-a-stronger-mediterranean-region/?sfnsn=wa