The financial support agreed by the Commission will help to improve living conditions for the most disadvantaged groups in Cairo. Actions to be put in place will also involve economic measures aimed to create jobs as well as actions to improve environmental conditions in the area.

The support agreed by the European Commission is part of the Annual Action Programme and aims to help Egypt to face some of its most important and urgent challenges. The Programme comes to reinforce EU's commitment with the people of Egypt as it moves towards more democracy and shared prosperity and are expected to benefit 1 million Egyptian people.

In line with Egyptian priorities and the two Joint Communications of the European Commission and of the High Representative regarding EU's response to a changing Neighbourhood and the partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean, the financial support granted to Egypt aims in first place to improve the living conditions of the poor population residing in under-served areas in the Greater Cairo region by allocating 20 million Euro. It will also help to implement trade and domestic market-related reforms, which are expected to trigger inclusive economic growth and job creation. 20 million Euro will be earmarked for that purpose.

Finally, 60 million Euro will be dedicated to improve sustainable energy supply for the whole population via the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in conjunction with increasing the financial transparency of the energy sector. Actions will include financing initiatives for waste collection, recycling of solid waste, solar energy systems for health clinics and waste water disposal. It will also raise awareness, through civil society groups, of the environmental challenges facing residents, and help local people to get involved in developing their own areas.