Cairo Water Week 2024- Team Europe Initiative

13 October 2024

Remarks by Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt

This pivotal moment of the Cairo Water Week 2024, as we embark on a journey of deeper collaboration between Egypt and the European Union in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time—water and food security in the face of climate change.

The theme of this year’s event, “Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities,” underscores the urgency with which we must act. Egypt, like many nations, stands at a critical juncture as it navigates the challenges of water scarcity, climate resilience, and sustainable development. This is where the Team Europe Initiative for Integrated Water and Food Security comes into play.

Today, we officially announce the launch of the Team Europe Initiative. This collaborative effort, designed to mobilise the combined expertise, resources, and vision of the European Union and its Member States, and European Financial Institutions aims to address the interconnected challenges of water management, agricultural sustainability, and climate adaptation in Egypt.

The Team Europe Initiative represents the collective strength of Europe’s commitment to Egypt, and its launch today is complemented by another significant step forward—the signing of the EU Green Facility. This €7 million programme is a key pillar to support the Egyptian Nexus Water Food Energy (NWFE) platform, which focuses on water management, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The EU Green Facility will strengthen policy dialogue between Egypt and the EU, offering technical assistance and sector strategies to enhance governance in water and energy. It will foster public-private partnerships, ensuring that investments in these critical sectors are sustainable, inclusive, and effective. This facility is not just about infrastructure or technology—it is about laying the foundation for sustainable growth, empowering Egypt to meet its climate commitments, while also creating opportunities for green investments and job creation.

By linking the Team Europe Initiative and the EU Green Facility to this larger vision, we are ensuring that our actions today resonate well beyond the immediate. We are building a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges of water and food security in Egypt, while also addressing global issues like climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

The Cairo Water Week has been pivotal in reinforcing Egypt’s status as a global hub for Integrated Water Management. Today’s landmark event features high-level policy discussions, highlighting the synergistic efforts of the Egyptian government and Team Europe.

As we move forward together, I am confident that this collaboration will drive transformative change. With the support of our Egyptian partners and the dedication of the international community, we will create solutions that secure a better future for all, ensuring that water, food, and energy security become the cornerstones of sustainable development.