The European Union has announced a 7.4 billion-euro aid package and an upgraded relationship with Egypt, aiming to stem migrant flows to Europe. The agreement, set to elevate the EU’s ties with Egypt to a ‘strategic partnership’, has faced criticism from human rights groups. The deal is set to be signed during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders of several European countries. The aid package includes grants, loans, and investments over the next three years, with the EU emphasizing a focus on managing migration issues. However, concerns have been raised about the deal’s potential impact on human rights and the ongoing political situation in Egypt. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for vigilance in ensuring that the partnership promotes democracy and respects human rights in Egypt.