In a statement issued after the weekly meeting of the European Commission College held on 2 February, Commissioners expressed their firm commitment to support the legitimate aspirations of the people of Egypt. Following the public statement made by president Hosni Mubarak on the previous evening, demonstrations are still taking place all over the country with Egyptian people calling for changes in the political regime change.

In its statement, the European Commission reiterates its call for an orderly transition in Egypt and the beginning of a process in which political forces and civil society come together to establish democratic norms. In so doing, the Commission joins Council's declaration made at the Foreign Affairs Council, where EU ministers called for free and fair elections in Egypt, undertaken with the necessary legal guarantees.

The College has emphasized its strong belief that the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and a pluralistic democracy anchored on a participatory civil society are the best elements for achieving stability and prosperity in the country. These are fundamental principles which rule EU relationships with its partners, especially in the case of countries which are part of the European Neighbourhood Policy in the Mediterranean and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.

Commissioners also reminded the common roots shared by the Mediterranean people, both in the north and the south of the Mediterranean, based on a common history and shared principles and expectations. In this context, the Commission has expressed its readiness to provide all necessary support to Egypt in order to carry out this transition.