Ashraf AboArafe
During his visit, Brunner underscored Egypt’s pivotal role as a strategic partner of the European Union, highlighting the growing importance of closer cooperation in addressing regional security challenges and managing migration responsibly.
“Egypt is a key strategic partner for the European Union in ensuring regional stability and managing migration responsibly. By deepening our operational cooperation—from combating migrant smuggling to tackling organised crime—we are advancing the objectives of our Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, making Europe and our region safer.”
He further stressed the importance of confronting transnational criminal networks through coordinated action, saying:
“Criminal networks do not stop at borders, and neither can our response. The new practical arrangement with SELEC represents another concrete step in joining forces with Egypt to dismantle smuggling networks, disrupt human trafficking routes and strengthen security across the Mediterranean.”
Addressing the humanitarian and security dimensions of irregular migration, Brunner emphasised the need for comprehensive international cooperation:
“Tackling irregular migration requires strong partnerships along the entire route to save lives and break the ruthless business model of smugglers. Working closely with Egypt through initiatives such as the Eastern Mediterranean Route enables us to address shared challenges at their roots while strengthening border security.”
Concluding his remarks, Brunner highlighted the interconnected nature of migration and security, stressing that the partnership must translate political commitments into tangible results:
“Our security and migration challenges are deeply interconnected. In Cairo, we are turning our Strategic Partnership with Egypt into concrete action: strengthening border management, combating transnational crime, while simultaneously expanding legal pathways for labour mobility.”
His remarks reaffirm the growing strategic importance of Egypt as a cornerstone of Mediterranean security and a vital partner in building a more coordinated European response to irregular migration, human trafficking and organised crime.
