The EU should support Egypt
The Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the European Union discussed support for Egypt on 19 August. Discussion of the matter will be continued at ministerial level on 21 August, when the EU Foreign Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council owing to the situation in Egypt. Following the Arab Spring, the EU has increased its support to Egypt; some of this support is considered development cooperation.
“It is clear that a reassessment of development cooperation is associated with the condemnation of violence. Finland is of the opinion that the EU should interrupt its support to the Government of Egypt or its close circle. At the same time it must be ensured that the discontinuation of aid does not weaken the position of the poorest and the most vulnerable. It is also important that the EU continue to support civil society,” Minister for International Development Heidi Hautala says.
Finland has budgeted 1.9 million euros from development cooperation funds to be used in support for Egypt.
“Our cooperation in Egypt and North Africa aims specifically at supporting women and civil society. In this security situation, the position of women is even more prone to risk, and it is therefore important that support continues. We follow how the situation develops closely, of course,” Minister Hautala states.
“Finland does not have direct bilateral cooperation with the Government of Egypt,” she points out.
Additional information: Milma Kettunen, Press Attaché to Minister Heidi Hautala, mobile tel. +358 40 522 9869, [email protected]