Egypt in the Multipolar Era: A Strategic Partner for Europe in Energy and Regional Security
Introduction
The international system is undergoing profound transformations, characterized by shifting global power balances and the emergence of multipolar policies. These changes present the European Union with new challenges in security, energy, and trade.
Egypt, due to its strategic geographic location, natural resources, and developmental projects, has emerged as a strategic partner capable of meeting European needs and contributing to regional stability.
This study provides a multi-dimensional analysis of Egypt’s role, covering:
Major global transformations and their impact on Europe.
Europe’s strategic partnership with Egypt.
Egypt’s economic and developmental capacities.
Complex regional alliances.
Future scenarios and policy recommendations for both Europe and Egypt.
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Chapter 1: International Transformations and Their Impact on Europe
1.1 Decline of American Influence
The United States, historically the dominant player, shows signs of declining global influence.
Key examples:
The sudden withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, highlighting limitations in maintaining stability in sensitive regions.
Hesitation to provide full support to Ukraine during the Russian conflict, prompting Europe to reconsider its reliance on Washington.
Limited U.S. response to Qatar during specific crises, despite hosting its largest military base in the Middle East, raising doubts about American security guarantees.
Political and trade tensions with Europe and NATO members regarding defense and energy issues.
These developments prompted Europe and regional actors to seek more reliable partners on the ground, highlighting Egypt’s emerging strategic role.
1.2 Rise of China
China is a key economic, political, and military player, with the Belt and Road Initiative expanding its influence across Africa and the Middle East.
European engagement with Egypt is part of a broader strategy to balance Chinese regional influence.
1.3 Russia’s Continued Influence
Despite Western sanctions, Russia remains influential in energy and regional politics.
Use of energy as leverage and military involvement in Syria and Libya underscore Russia’s regional importance.
1.4 Flexible Alliances
Traditional alliances based on ideology or history have weakened.
Modern alliances focus on direct interests, including security, energy, trade, and regional stability.
Example: Temporary cooperation between Iran and Gulf states on energy despite historical rivalries.
1.5 Chapter Conclusion
The international system is entering a multipolar phase. Egypt can leverage these transformations to strengthen its strategic position in the Middle East and North Africa.
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Chapter 2: Europe and Egypt – Strategic Partnership
2.1 Energy Crisis and Egypt’s Role
The Russia–Ukraine war directly affected European gas and oil supplies.
Egypt is a reliable regional energy hub:
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports through Damietta and Idku terminals.
Increased production in Eastern Mediterranean fields positions Egypt as a key energy player for Europe.
2.2 European Competition for Egypt
France: defense deals (Eurofighter jets, submarines), renewable energy investments.
Germany: infrastructure and industrial partnerships.
Italy: energy and maritime transport projects.
Spain: King of Spain’s 2025 visit, port and energy projects.
2.3 Strategic Cooperation
Cooperation spans energy, infrastructure, security, and vocational training.
Examples:
Benban Solar Park.
Development of Damietta and Alexandria ports.
Vocational training programs to support European industrial needs.
2.4 European Motivations
1. Securing alternative energy sources.
2. Regional stability: Libya, Sudan, Gaza.
3. Speed and efficiency of project execution.
4. Strategic location of the Suez Canal.
2.5 Chapter Conclusion
Egypt has become a focal point for Europe, serving as both an investment destination and a strategic partner in energy and regional security.
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Chapter 3: Egypt as an Emerging Regional Power
3.1 Natural Resources and Strategic Location
Natural gas and oil reserves; Suez Canal as a global trade artery.
Eastern Mediterranean energy potential critical for European supply security.
3.2 Major Projects and Rapid Execution
New Administrative Capital, New Suez Canal, transport and railway networks.
Competitive advantage: execution speed reduces project risk compared to traditional European standards.
3.3 Regional Stability Role
Egyptian mediation in resolving Iran’s disputes with the IAEA inspectors.
Diplomatic engagement in Libya, Sudan, and Gaza enhances regional security.
3.4 Balanced Foreign Policy
Maintains relations with Washington, Moscow, and Beijing, allowing greater negotiation leverage.
3.5 Chapter Conclusion
Egypt possesses the resources, execution capacity, and regional influence to serve as a critical strategic partner for Europe.
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Chapter 4: Complex Regional Alliances
4.1 Turkey
Competitor and partner in Eastern Mediterranean and Libya; relations with Egypt fluctuate based on shared interests.
4.2 Iran and the Gulf
Limited cooperation in energy and economic projects despite historical rivalries.
4.3 Impact on Security and Energy
Egypt’s central role enhances Europe’s ability to maintain stability and secure energy supplies.
4.4 Chapter Conclusion
Egypt is a pivotal player in regional alliances, crucial for maintaining security, energy stability, and supporting European interests.
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Chapter 5: Economy and Industrial Cooperation
5.1 Energy and Infrastructure Projects
Benban Solar Park, development of Damietta and Alexandria ports.
5.2 Technology Transfer and Industrial Partnerships
Integration of Egyptian companies into European-African projects, technology transfer, export opportunities.
5.3 Export Opportunities
Agricultural and industrial products to European markets, leveraging free trade agreements.
5.4 Comparative Advantage
Speed of execution reduces risks and lowers costs compared to traditional European projects.
5.5 Chapter Conclusion
Economic collaboration demonstrates a successful strategic partnership model.
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Chapter 6: Future Scenarios
6.1 Short-Term (2025–2027)
Energy and infrastructure deals, limited security cooperation.
6.2 Medium-Term (2027–2030)
Integration of Egyptian companies in industrial and renewable energy projects; increasing European investment.
6.3 Long-Term (Post-2030)
Multi-party security–economic alliance with partial reliance on Egypt for regional stability and energy supply continuity.
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Chapter 7: Recommendations
7.1 For the European Union
Develop long-term strategic partnership with Egypt.
Support vocational training and technology transfer.
Leverage Egypt as an industrial and trade hub to mitigate regional and global risks.
7.2 For Egypt
Maintain balanced foreign policy.
Enhance regional mediation capabilities.
Utilize European engagement to expand infrastructure and export potential.
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Conclusion
Egypt represents a critical strategic partner for Europe in the multipolar era, capable of contributing to regional security, energy stability, and trade expansion. Strengthening this partnership serves European interests while reinforcing Egypt’s role as a proactive regional actor.
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Sources:
Reuters. (2025). Chevron, Israeli pipeline operator to kickstart new gas pipeline to Egypt. Link
Reuters. (2025). Russia's LNG exports by destinations and volumes. Link
Reuters. (2023). Mideast conflict dims prospect of more Egyptian LNG exports to Europe. Link
ScienceDirect. (2024). Green hydrogen cooperation between Egypt and Europe. Link
Reuters. (2025). Egypt secures €262 million from France, EU for water and energy infrastructure. Link
Reuters. (2025). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalEnergies for 2025. Link
Reuters. (2024). Egyptian LNG coming to freshly opened Greek FSRU. Link
Reuters. (2023). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalEnergies for 2025. Link
Reuters. (2024). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalEnergies for 2025. Link
Reuters. (2024). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalEnergies for 2025. Link
Reuters. (2024). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalEnergies for 2025. Link
Reuters. (2024). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalEnergies for 2025. Link
Reuters. (2024). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalEnergies for 2025. Link
Reuters. (2024). Egypt secures LNG deals with Shell and TotalE
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