EU Launches €1.5 Million Initiative to Strengthen Egypt’s Drug Authority, Align with Global Vaccine Standards
In a significant move aimed at enhancing public health infrastructure, the European Commission has announced a €1.5 million grant to support the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) in advancing its regulatory capabilities especially in overseeing vaccines and other medicinal products.
The initiative, part of a broader push to raise Egypt’s regulatory system to WHO Maturity Level 4, will align national practices with international Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) and establish Egypt as a WHO-Listed Authority (WLA) on par with the world’s most stringent health regulators.
The project is set to run for 27 months comprising 24 months of implementation and a 3-month closure period, and will be delivered in the form of an EU Twinning Program.
Improving Oversight, Safety, and Access
Under this partnership, experts from EU member states’ public institutions will work closely with the EDA across key regulatory functions, including
Strengthening the national regulatory system and alignment with international norms
Streamlining marketing authorisations for medicinal products and vaccines
Improving oversight for import, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution
Enhancing GMP and GDP inspections for medicine safety
Establishing robust quality control and batch release protocols
Building a pharmacovigilance center for post-market safety monitoring
Overseeing clinical trials, especially for vaccine development
The goal is clear: to create a reliable, transparent, and internationally recognized regulatory environment that ensures quality, safety, and efficacy of all medicines in Egypt.
High-Level Experts to Lead the Charge
To drive this reform, the EU is seeking a team of top-tier experts, including a Project Leader (PL), Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA), several Component Leaders, and a pool of Short-Term Experts.
Project Leader Profile:
Minimum 10 years of experience in public health or pharmaceutical regulation
At least 3 years in senior regulatory positions within EU Member States
Proven project management skills and familiarity with vaccine oversight
Resident Twinning Adviser:
Background in health economics or public health with at least 8 years of experience
3 years’ experience in human medicines regulation
Strong command of English (written and spoken)
Component Leaders & Experts:
Relevant university degrees and professional experience
Deep operational knowledge of EU regulatory systems
Experience in capacity building, EU legislation, and policy reform
Why It Matters
This investment comes at a crucial time as Egypt seeks to expand its role in regional vaccine production and distribution. With increasing demand for high-quality healthcare oversight, this initiative could position the EDA as a regulatory powerhouse in Africa and the Middle East.
Beyond bolstering local institutions, the project is also a model of how international cooperation can elevate national health systems, especially in a post-pandemic world.
Who Can Apply?
Only public administrations and mandated bodies from EU Member States are eligible to apply strictly via their National Contact Points, in accordance with the EU Twinning Manual.
All activities and reports will be conducted in English, which is the official contract language of the project.
The application deadline is September 2, 2025.
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