EU and Egypt Hold Strategic Working Dinner in Brussels as EU Moves to Approve 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia
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In Brussels, on Wednesday evening, 22 October 2025, European and Egyptian leaders convened for a high-level working dinner ahead of Thursday’s pivotal EU summit, focusing on regional stability, migration, energy cooperation, and the shared challenges of global security. The meeting, part of the EU–Egypt Summit, took place just hours before the European Union prepared to formally adopt its 19th sanctions package against Russia.
The roundtable discussion gathered top EU officials, including representatives of the European Commission, the European Council, and key member states, alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his delegation. The working dinner symbolized deepening ties between Brussels and Cairo, as the EU seeks stronger partnerships with regional actors in North Africa amid growing tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
According to EU diplomats present, the talks highlighted the mutual importance of stability in the Mediterranean region, tackling migration management, and expanding energy cooperation, particularly in renewable hydrogen, LNG, and electricity interconnections between Europe and North Africa. Egypt reiterated its position as a key energy and transit hub, while EU officials emphasized the need for sustainable development and respect for human rights as part of the partnership framework.
The dinner also provided an opportunity for informal coordination ahead of Thursday’s European Council summit, where leaders are set to endorse the 19th package of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Late Wednesday evening, the Danish EU Presidency confirmed that “the path to adopting the sanctions package is now clear”, after Austria and Slovakia withdrew their objections. The measures include new restrictions in energy and finance, notably a progressive ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
A “silent procedure” was launched Wednesday night, allowing any last-minute objections until Thursday at 08:00, when the sanctions will be automatically approved if no member state objects.
Diplomatic sources cited by Reuters reported that Slovakia’s concerns had been addressed by new provisions added to the draft conclusions of the upcoming EU summit. The compromise clears the final political hurdles for unanimous approval.
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