Ashraf AboArafe
The European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, has today disbursed EUR 118 million to Egypt. The disbursement follows an assessment of Egypt’s progress with implementing the measures agreed under the two Budget Support operations in the key sectors of Energy and Water.
The two operations assisted the Egyptian government in achieving relevant and credible sector strategies, policies, and reforms for the benefit of its citizens.
Gaining access to improved energy services is a continuous process of improvement, thus, the Energy Sector Policy Support Programme, including the way forward to improve the energy system for the benefit of all Egyptians, is vital.
Equally important, the Water Sector Reform Programme has promoted a better use of existing water resources, by improving operational efficiencies at different levels, reducing water losses, reusing treated wastewater and protecting public health and the environment.
“This budget support disbursement is a joint EU-Egypt achievement. We have been working intensively together in the energy and water sectors, which are of crucial importance for the Egyptian people for many years and in full alignment with Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030”, said Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt.
Background
Budget support favours true partnerships, in which the European Union works with partner countries as equals. The EU accompanies partner countries in their reform process towards achieving the SDGs, through a balanced and open policy dialogue, and reward their performance when results are met.
The maximum amount of the two operations was EUR 180 million. As some indicators were not met, the total eligible amount is EUR 150 million, of which 32 million were paid in 2010/2011 and EUR 118 million are paid now.
