EU to bolster Egypt ties with billions of euros in funding

The European Union announced a 7.4 billion euro funding package and an upgraded relationship with Egypt, part of a push to stem migrant flows to Europe that has been criticized by rights groups.

The agreement, which lifts the European Union's relationship with Egypt to a "strategic partnership", was announced as a delegation of leaders visited Cairo. It is designed to boost cooperation in areas including renewable energy, trade, and security while delivering grants, loans and other funding over the next three years to support Egypt's faltering economy.

The deal is scheduled to be signed during a visit Sunday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria and Cyprus, according to Egyptian officials. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt met separately with von der...