EU funding for the Egyptian coast guard
5.7.2022
Question for written answer E-002428/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)
Commissioner Várhelyi recently confirmed that the Commission has pledged almost EUR 300 million in long- and short-term financial support to Egypt[1]. According to news reports, EUR 80 million of the funding is earmarked for the Egyptian coast guard for ‘border protection’ and to prevent Egyptians from fleeing[2]. Parliament has on multiple occasion voiced its concern about the dire human rights situation in Egypt, and since January 2021 3 500 Egyptians have fled the country by boat to Italy, making them the second largest group of Mediterranean arrivals there[3].
- 1.Could the Commission provide an overview of all equipment or services delivered to the Egyptian authorities and coast guard, especially for border protection, and what is the timeline for future distribution?
- 2.What indicators will the Commission use to ensure that EU-Egypt migration cooperation complies with Article 3(5) of the Treaty on European Union, upholding and promoting human rights, for example by ensuring accountability for potential human rights abuses?
- 3.What human rights impact or risk assessment has been conducted (or will be conducted) on this financial support to guarantee its deliverables will not facilitate or be used in human rights violations?
Last updated: 13 July 2022