EU to Egypt: Keep Migrants Away

The European Commission is bypassing European Parliament to hasten a €1 billion (us$1.1 billion) payment to Egypt so that Cairo will keep migrants from entering Europe. In a letter dated March 15, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the urgency of the situation required this fast track.

Migration crisis: Europe faces an ongoing migration crisis. The latest wave has been very costly.

To mitigate the situation, the European Union agreed last week to pay Egypt €7.4 billion over a three-year period to prevent migrants from coming to Europe. This includes €5 billion in concessional loans and nearly €1.8 billion in investments. The deal would also elevate the EU’s relationship with Egypt to “strategic partnership” status.

We must prevent the opening of new migration routes, and we will work very closely with Egypt to ensure that this will be achieved.
—Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek prime minister

This deal shows the EU’s urgency in addressing the migrant crisis, even if it draws Europe more deeply into Middle Eastern affairs.

Entangled: The Bible prophesies that increased unrest will entangle the Continent more heavily in the Middle East. This will lead to the appointment of a new European leader who will shape the near future of the world.

Learn more: Read “Why a New Migrant Crisis Could Destroy Europe.”