The European Union and Egypt have signed an $8bn agreement aimed at boosting co-operation in trade and security, as well as trying to stem the flow of migrants into Europe.
The deal upgrades the EU’s relationship with Egypt to a strategic partnership, giving acces to Grants, loans and other funds over the next three years to support Egypt’s faltering economy.
The country’s ongoing financial crisis has prompted an increasing number of Egyptians to try to cross to Europe, mainly via Libya, since the authorities have largely closed down the route from Egypt’s north coast.
The EU has in the past signed similar deals with other African countries that act as popular routes for irregular migration to Europe, including Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania.
