The Pentagon announced the planned withdrawal on Friday, with a department spokesperson subsequently telling Asharq that the pullout is expected to conclude within a year. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, responding to the announcement on Saturday, stated that Europeans must take greater responsibility for their security, though he noted the US move was anticipated.

“It was expected that the United States would withdraw its forces from Europe, including Germany,” Pistorius said, estimating the current number of US troops stationed in the country at nearly 40,000. He added that “the presence of American soldiers in Europe, and especially in Germany, is in our interest and the interest of the United States.”

Pistorius stated that “Germany is on the right track” regarding defence self-reliance, pointing to the expansion of its armed forces, the Bundeswehr, alongside increased and accelerated equipment purchases and the construction of military infrastructure.

NATO spokesperson Alison Hart confirmed on the X platform on Saturday that the alliance is communicating with Washington regarding the drawdown.

“We are working with the United States to understand the details of its decision regarding its force posture in Germany,” Hart wrote. “This decision underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defence, and to bear a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security, which we are already seeing progress in since allies agreed to invest 5% of gross domestic product at the NATO summit in The Hague last year.”

Hart maintained that the alliance remains “confident in our ability to provide deterrence and defence as this shift towards a stronger Europe in a stronger alliance continues.”

The Iran War Dispute

The withdrawal follows a public dispute between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over US strategy in the Iran war. Last week, Trump threatened to reduce US troop numbers in Germany after Merz stated that the United States “did not seek the opinion of Germany or its allies in Europe” prior to launching the conflict. Merz noted he had informed Trump immediately afterwards of his “scepticism about the usefulness of this conflict”.

A senior Pentagon official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described recent German statements as “inappropriate and unhelpful,” adding: “The President is responding correctly to these unconstructive statements.”

The official stated that the President “has been very clear about his displeasure with the statements of our allies and their lack of support for American operations that are in their interest.”

The troop reduction will return the US military presence in Europe to approximately pre-2022 levels, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted an enhanced US deployment under former President Joe Biden.

Broadening European Tensions

The Pentagon’s announcement marks the most significant declaration to date of Washington’s intention to reduce its European military footprint, following months of US criticism that European nations have failed to provide adequate support in the Iran war or assume responsibility for their own security.

It remains unclear whether Washington will withdraw additional forces from Europe. Trump indicated on Thursday that he “might” consider withdrawing troops from Italy and Spain.

Reuters reported days ago that an internal Pentagon email detailed options to punish NATO member states that Washington believes have not supported US operations in the Iran war. These options included suspending Spain’s membership in the alliance and reviewing the US position on Britain’s sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands.

Last month, Trump threatened a comprehensive US trade embargo on Spain after Madrid refused to permit the use of its airspace or military bases for attacks on Iran. The US maintains two significant military bases in Spain: Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.

Trump has also clashed with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the Iran war, as well as over his criticisms of Pope Leo XIV. In April, Trump stated that Meloni, previously considered one of his closest allies, “lacks courage” and had “let Washington down”.

US Military Footprint in Europe

As of December 2025, the United States maintained approximately 68,000 active-duty military personnel permanently stationed at European bases, according to the Pentagon’s Defence Manpower Data Centre. This figure excludes temporary rotational forces.

A congressional report indicates the US military is deployed across 31 permanent bases in Europe and holds access rights to 19 additional military sites. The US European Command oversees military operations in the region, operating alongside NATO allies via six commands covering land, naval, air, marine, special operations, and space forces. Headquartered in Germany and Italy, these commands focus on crisis response and security cooperation across Europe and Africa.

US forces are distributed across more than a dozen European nations, with Germany, Italy, and Britain hosting the largest contingents:

• Germany:Hosting roughly half of the total US military presence in Europe, official data places the number at 36,436 troops spread across five bases, including Ramstein Air Base, the largest US installation in Europe. Germany also houses dozens of American facilities, including the headquarters for both US European Command and US Africa Command, and holds vital military assets such as B-61 nuclear bombs.
• Italy:12,662 US troops are stationed at bases including Vicenza, Aviano, Naples, and Sicily.
• Britain:Hosts 10,156 US personnel, the majority of whom belong to the Air Force.
• Spain:3,814 US troops are stationed at naval and air bases near the Strait of Gibraltar.
• Poland:Permanently hosts 369 US troops alongside an estimated 10,000 rotational personnel.
• Romania:Maintains 153 permanent US troops, with an additional rotational presence at facilities such as the Mihail Kogalniceanu base.
• Hungary:Hosts 77 permanent US military personnel in addition to periodic deployments and training exercises.

The post Pentagon to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany over Iran war dispute first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

Daily News Egypt sat down with Steve Lutes, Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce for Middle East Affairs, to explore the realities of US-Egypt economic ties and the challenges of turning Egypt’s potential into execution.

How do you assess Egypt’s performance in attracting investment? What is needed to improve?

Every government faces the challenge of becoming an attractive destination. Egypt already enjoys advantages that are difficult to replicate, most notably its geographic location. The key question is how to fully leverage that position.

Egypt also benefits from trade agreements with African markets. While I am not an economist, many experts anticipate strong growth across Africa in the coming years, which presents a significant opportunity. We often speak about Egypt as a gateway to Africa, but the priority now is to translate that concept into practical reality. This requires expanding dialogue frameworks beyond bilateral engagement to more multilateral cooperation.

What role can the US Chamber play in promoting economic support for Egypt?

The Chamber maintains ongoing engagement with US policymakers to highlight Egypt’s strategic economic importance, its role in regional stability, and its value as a trade and investment partner, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Through the US-Egypt Business Council, we consistently advocate for strengthening economic resilience, ensuring market stability, and supporting private sector-led growth. During periods of crisis, we also communicate the impact of economic shocks on supply chains, investor confidence, and reform trajectories. This helps foster a more stable political and economic environment conducive to financing and sustainable investment.

There’s a perception that Egypt’s private sector lacks equal opportunity. How do you see it?

There is always room for improvement; no system is perfect. From what I hear, there is clear government intent to expand privatisation and strengthen the private sector’s role. Naturally, businesses would like to see this process move faster.

Recent government changes suggest a greater willingness to accelerate reforms. This is creating more opportunities for private sector participation across a range of industries, whether through domestic firms or partnerships with international companies, including American ones.

With China, Türkiye, Germany, and Russia active in Egypt, where does the US stand?

It is important to recognise that different countries operate under different economic models. China and, to a large extent, Russia rely on state-led investment approaches. The United States operates very differently.

The US government does not direct companies where to invest. Decisions are made by private firms based on market conditions. If the investment environment is attractive, companies will come. If not, they will look elsewhere.

Can Egypt truly become a regional hub?

Absolutely. Egypt has the potential to serve not only as a gateway to Africa, but also to the Mediterranean and Europe. The Suez Canal remains a critical artery for global trade, whether for goods, energy, or even digital connectivity through submarine cables.

However, the real challenge is not promotion; it is execution.

What do you mean by execution?

Attracting American investment requires a more tailored approach than in state-led systems. In countries like China, agreements are often concluded at the government level, with companies following.

In the United States, each company must be engaged individually. Some are looking to expand into Africa, others have capital ready to deploy, while others require detailed feasibility studies. This makes the process more complex and demands targeted engagement and customised analysis.

Does this make US investment more difficult to secure?

It does make it more demanding, but also more sustainable. American companies tend to take a long-term view. They invest in local hiring, integrate into the market, and build enduring business operations.

What can we expect from the second Egyptian-American Economic Forum?

The objective is to frame the relationship strategically, rather than as a one-off event. There is a real opportunity to reinforce Egypt’s role as a gateway to Africa, including by involving African stakeholders and presenting concrete, investment-ready projects.

How can interest be converted into real investment?

American firms require precise, actionable information, not general messaging. When opportunities are clearly defined and well-structured, it becomes much easier to convert interest into investment.

Sector-focused discussions and direct engagement are essential to this process.

Why has Egypt-US cooperation in Africa been limited?

The Chamber continues to view Egypt as a key platform for US companies seeking to expand into Africa, particularly in sectors such as logistics, construction, energy, agriculture, and services.

However, progress depends on clearer project pipelines, the use of innovative financing tools such as blended finance, and stronger coordination between governments and development institutions.

What guarantees do US investors seek in tech and infrastructure?

Investors prioritise regulatory stability, transparency, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and the availability of foreign currency. They also look for clear frameworks for public-private partnerships and predictable licensing timelines.

In the technology sector, data governance, intellectual property protection, and cybersecurity are especially critical.

Beyond energy, which sectors are most attractive?

Key growth areas include logistics, ICT, fintech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and export-oriented manufacturing.

What is the Chamber’s vision for the future of the Egypt-US economic partnership?

The relationship is evolving into a more strategic partnership built on resilience, innovation, and shared responsibility. Key areas of focus include energy security, regional stability, supply chain diversification, and human capital development.

The post Egypt poised to become gateway to Africa, Europe: Steve Lutes first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

Against this background, the recent *Youth in Germany 2025* study offers more than empirical insight; it opens a window into what I would describe as a deeper structural tension within the modern state. While the report itself is not an institutional publication of the Hertie School, it is closely connected to its intellectual environment through the contribution of Professor Klaus Hurrelmann, situating it within a broader tradition of rigorous, policy-relevant research.

At first glance, the findings are familiar: psychological strain, economic pressure, digital overuse, and rising openness to emigration. Yet the analytical value of the study lies not in these indicators individually, but in the paradox they collectively reveal. Young people remain willing to work, to contribute, and to assume responsibility. What is weakening is not motivation, but confidence in the system’s ability to translate effort into outcome.

This distinction is critical. It suggests that the issue is not one of performance failure, but of meaning failure. In other words, we are not simply observing a crisis of resources or policy effectiveness, but a disruption in the relationship between individual effort and its perceived fairness and purpose. What emerges here is not merely a descriptive crisis; it is an empirical manifestation of what I conceptualise as a crisis in the governance of meaning.

By governance of meaning, I refer to the capacity of the state to render its actions intelligible, coherent, and normatively justifiable to its citizens. Modern states do not rely on performance alone; they rely on the ability to explain that performance in ways that sustain trust. When this explanatory capacity weakens, legitimacy begins to erode, even when institutions continue to function effectively.

The study provides multiple indications of this shift. Expectations around economic security, housing, social justice, and political participation remain central to how young people evaluate the system. However, what appears to be declining is the credibility of the link between these expectations and actual outcomes. The issue is not that the system produces nothing, but that what it produces is no longer fully convincing.

This helps explain the volatility in political preferences. The fragmentation observed among young voters is not merely ideological polarisation; it reflects a search for meaning. Support moves across parties not because of stable conviction, but because no single narrative fully captures what fairness, security, and future prospects should look like. In this sense, the political field becomes a space of interpretive competition.

Migration intensifies this dynamic. The study shows diverging expectations, from calls for stricter control to support for openness and integration. Yet what matters analytically is not the divergence itself, but what it represents. Migration becomes a site where deeper questions about fairness, distribution, and belonging are negotiated. It is less a policy issue than a test of how meaning is constructed within the state.

This is why debates around migration often appear disproportionate to their immediate scope. They are not only about borders or integration, but about whether the system operates according to a logic that citizens can recognise as fair. When that logic becomes unclear, even coherent policies may lose their legitimacy.

What the study ultimately reveals, therefore, is not a society in collapse, but a society under interpretive strain. Germany remains institutionally strong and economically capable. Yet even within such a context, the alignment between performance and meaning is no longer guaranteed.

This insight extends beyond Germany. Across contemporary states, the challenge is shifting. It is no longer sufficient to design efficient policies; the central question is whether those policies can be embedded within a framework of meaning that citizens understand and accept. The problem is not only what the state does, but how what it does is perceived, interpreted, and justified.
This perspective reflects a broader line of research I have been developing on what I describe as the “governance of meaning,” where legitimacy depends not only on performance, but on the state’s capacity to render that performance intelligible and normatively credible to citizens.

From this vantage point, the study reads less as a warning of decline and more as an early signal of structural transformation. It suggests that the mechanisms through which trust is produced are under pressure, even in high-capacity states.
The implication is direct. Efficiency alone is no longer sufficient. A state must not only deliver outcomes; it must also sustain a shared understanding of why those outcomes are fair, necessary, and meaningful.
When a state fails to explain itself, it does not simply lose efficiency; it loses legitimacy itself. Because legitimacy, at its core, is not performance alone; it is the continuous ability to justify the meaning of that performance.

Dr Ramy Galal is a governance and institutional reform specialist focusing on state capacity, accountability, and the design of effective public institutions. His work examines how institutional arrangements shape policy outcomes and government performance, particularly in emerging and middle-income contexts. He also engages with the concept of governance of meaning as an analytical lens for understanding how authority, narratives, and interpretation influence policy environments.

He is an Assistant Professor and a former Senator, bringing a combination of academic expertise and hands-on experience across both legislative and executive domains. He previously served as an advisor and official spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, with direct involvement in policy design, government decision-making, and implementation processes at the centre of government.

He holds a PhD from Alexandria University, a master’s degree from the University of East London, and a diploma in public administration from the University of Chile.

The post Opinion | Is Germany losing confidence? A Hertie-informed perspective first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

The talks in Cairo were led by Mohamed Abou Bakr, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates for African Affairs, and Martin Briens, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Officials welcomed the exceptional quality of bilateral ties, noting the dialogue implements a decision to elevate relations to a strategic partnership made during the French President’s official visit to Egypt on April 7 and 8, 2025.

A key outcome of the dialogue was the advancement of a bilateral migration framework. Following a third session of negotiations held in Paris on April 8 and 9, 2026, the two sides agreed to reach an agreement in the weeks ahead covering returns, readmissions, legal mobility, and vocational training.

Financial co-operation was heavily featured as officials discussed the implementation of the 2026-2030 Intergovernmental Agreement on Financial Cooperation. The Egyptian delegation reiterated its prioritisation of budget support programmes to enhance macroeconomic stability and efficiently allocate resources toward national development objectives.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in Egypt, officials highlighted EUR 262.2m across nine financing agreements signed during the French President’s 2025 visit for transport, energy, and housing projects. Egypt also expressed appreciation for France’s contribution to the Universal Health Insurance Program, comprising a EUR 150m loan and a EUR 2m grant.

On green development, the two sides noted ongoing co-operation through the EUR 45m Green Sustainable Industry (GSI) Project. A simplified agreement was signed in October 2025, and procedures for a Credit Facility Agreement are currently being finalised.

Regarding transport, officials welcomed momentum from a February 9 and 10 visit to Cairo by a delegation from the French Ministry for the Economy and Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty to advance the construction of Cairo’s metro line 6. The project stems from a 2021 roadmap that was reaffirmed in 2025.

Reviewing multilateral issues, the French Secretary-General affirmed Paris’s support for incorporating Egypt into the IMEC initiative. The officials stressed the need for co-ordination in forums including the G7, G20, and BRICS to reduce global inequalities and promote development finance reform. They reaffirmed support for the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), the IPCC, and the IPBES. Discussions also encompassed climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, ocean protection, global health, artificial intelligence, and human rights.

On regional crisis management, the officials reaffirmed commitments to achieving a lasting peace regarding the question of Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution. Discussions covered water issues and the ongoing situations in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, alongside calls for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They welcomed bilateral consultations on regional and African issues held in Cairo on March 26, 2026, and agreed to build upon the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, scheduled for May 11 to 12, 2026.

In the cultural sector, the parties validated the principle of a France-Egypt road map for heritage co-operation to develop professional dialogue and expertise sharing. They announced the upcoming inauguration of the library at the Grand Egyptian Museum, developed with French support, and recognised the importance of co-operation in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and start-ups within the creative economy and translation.

Highlighting educational ties, the dialogue outlined plans to open new bilingual Francophone state schools and welcomed the launch of the second phase of the TrèFLE project, which supports teaching French as a second language in state schools. The parties stressed integrating technical and vocational training in growth sectors such as the railway and automotive industries, ecological transition, agriculture, and tourism, alongside the twinning of schools and the exchange of expertise in training managers and teachers.

Building on the Assises Franco-Égyptiennes de la Coopération Scientifique et Universitaire, officials noted the success of the French-Egyptian Day of Scientific and Academic Cooperation held in France on February 5, 2026, which drew more than 150 participants. New French university programmes will open in Egypt in the coming months, and progress continues on the overhaul of the Université Française d’Égypte, which will complete the first buildings of its new campus by the start of the next academic year. Additionally, the President of the French Republic will undertake a new visit to Egypt to inaugurate the new campus of the Université Senghor.

The next session of the strategic dialogue is scheduled to take place in France during the first semester of 2027.

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Foreign ministers of the 27 EU member states are expected to sign a set of conclusions next Tuesday that will outline a new energy and climate direction for the bloc. The draft text, which was approved by the EU Council’s Political and Security Committee on 14 April, now requires final approval from EU ambassadors and foreign ministers.

Driven by the sharp rise in oil and gas prices resulting from the conflict, the draft reflects deep concerns regarding the EU’s autonomy and security. The text states that “hostilities in Iran and the broader region threaten regional and global security and prosperity.”

Acknowledging the geopolitical and economic risks stemming from a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, the Council identifies the shift to renewables as the optimal solution. The draft asserts that an energy transition based on “clean, abundant, and home-grown energy remains the most effective strategy to achieve Europe’s strategic independence.”

Member states indicate in the draft that “accelerating the deployment and integration of renewable and low-carbon energy sources” would reduce prices. The document concludes that the transition to clean energy “is also a source of enhancing energy and economic sovereignty.”

Furthermore, Politico reports the draft warns that the EU must prepare for the geopolitical and trade impacts resulting from “a decline in demand for fossil fuel imports in the EU over the next decade.”

The text also emphasises the need for the EU to leverage its foreign and defence policies to support the development of the clean technology sector, particularly “in light of increased defence spending.” The draft states that strategic defence investments rooted in the bloc’s energy transition “can strengthen both the clean tech and defence industries in the EU, increase defence readiness, enhance the military’s resilience, and improve adaptation to the impacts of climate change.”

Reaffirming the EU’s support for multilateral climate initiatives, the draft specifies that the Paris Agreement “should be considered an essential element in future trade and investment agreements.” Additionally, the document calls for a temporary halt to controversial solar radiation modification technologies, which seek to cool the planet.

Overall, the text stresses that EU foreign and defence policy must “urgently enhance the EU’s resilience and preparedness to face climate, environmental, and energy security threats.”

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The new service introduces an integrated non-direct transit model, whereby shipments arriving at Damietta are transported onward to Safaga Port on the Red Sea before being shipped to Gulf markets.

This development follows recent decisions to exempt transit cargo bound for Gulf destinations from pre-registration under the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system, significantly streamlining procedures and accelerating cargo handling.

As part of the rollout, Damietta Port received the vessel “GALLIPOLI SEAWAYS”, operating on the Damietta–Trieste route and carrying non-direct transit units from Europe destined for Safaga and onward to Gulf countries.

Authorities confirmed that all operational and customs procedures were carried out efficiently, supported by close coordination between the Damietta Port Authority, Pan Marine Group—operator of the Ro-Ro line—the Central Administration of Damietta Customs, and other relevant entities.

This coordination was enabled through the port’s advanced digital system, managed by its Central Administration for Information Systems and Digital Transformation. The integration of digital processes helped reduce customs clearance times, including inspection and examination procedures, in line with applicable regulations.

The launch reflects ongoing efforts by Damietta Port to enhance operational efficiency through digital transformation and upgraded logistics services. It also reinforces Egypt’s role as a secure and efficient corridor for international trade, particularly for transit cargo heading to Gulf markets.

The Damietta–Trieste Ro-Ro line, which began operations in November 2024, is a key pillar in strengthening trade links between Egypt and Europe. It offers multiple competitive advantages, including faster transport of perishable goods, especially agricultural exports, via refrigerated trucks, lower shipping costs, and shorter transit times. The route is also considered a “green corridor” that supports more sustainable trade connectivity.

In addition, the service is backed by a comprehensive package of operational incentives, customs facilitation measures, and advanced electronic connectivity between ports and customs authorities in both countries. This enables the secure, real-time exchange of data and documentation in line with international standards.

Overall, the launch underscores Damietta Port Authority’s success in maximising its capabilities and advancing Egypt’s broader strategy to expand transit trade, opening new avenues for commerce between Europe and Gulf countries through Egyptian ports.

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Watergate exemplifies this principle. Nixon’s administration attempted to conceal the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, triggering congressional inquiries, judicial scrutiny, and ultimately his resignation. Even the highest office was subject to accountability. Decades later, the Clinton–Lewinsky affair reinforced this lesson. While the scandal revolved around a personal relationship, lying under oath violated public integrity. Congress investigated, impeachment proceedings unfolded, and the world saw that power conferred no immunity from ethical or political responsibility. In that era, moral discourse was coherent because rhetoric aligned with action, and public values were applied consistently.

Europe largely mirrored this approach. Ministers and prime ministers resigned over corruption, financial mismanagement, or personal misconduct. Jacques Chirac, for example, faced legal proceedings years after accusations of misusing public funds, demonstrating that wrongdoing—even at the highest levels—could not escape scrutiny. Sexual harassment and misconduct scandals in Sweden and the United Kingdom similarly showed that courts could hold officials accountable regardless of status. Ethics were enforced, and moral rhetoric was reinforced by tangible action.

This stands in stark contrast to later developments. The Epstein case revealed the fragility of moral discourse when entangled with wealth and influence. Epstein’s network implicated powerful political, media, and financial elites. Despite the gravity of the allegations, early judicial responses were lenient, subsequent federal investigations lacked transparency, and public accountability remained fragmented. The global audience witnessed a striking dissonance: moral principles were loudly proclaimed, yet enforcement faltered for the well connected. Accountability appeared to shift—or disappear—depending on proximity to power.

The rise of Donald Trump further transformed this already fragile ethical framework. His presidency redefined the relationship between morality and authority. Scandals no longer prompted apologies or resignations; instead, they became instruments to mobilise supporters against “the establishment,” while personal conduct was relegated to a secondary concern in broader cultural and political battles. Ethics shifted from a shared public value to a strategic tool, where the central questions were no longer “Is this wrong?” but “Who benefits?” and “Who is behind it?” Traditional accountability mechanisms weakened, and the media, judiciary, and even truth itself became targets of suspicion. Scandals were reframed as assaults on political bases rather than breaches of public trust.

Trump’s influence rippled beyond the United States. In Europe, some political elites began treating scandals as temporary media storms to be weathered through counterattacks, rather than as crises requiring genuine accountability. The Epstein case further exposed this disparity: compared with past scandals of far lesser gravity, investigations were opaque, selective, and incomplete. Unlike the cases of Nixon or Clinton—where scrutiny reinforced ethical norms—Epstein revealed how power could shield wrongdoing and erode institutional moral authority.

The lesson is clear: global society has not rejected ethics, but it has rejected selective enforcement. Before Trump, scandals threatened legitimacy and reinforced accountability; after him, they often bolstered power, and the boundary between right and wrong became increasingly fluid—particularly for elites. Ethical rhetoric weakened, accountability became conditional, and trust—once earned through consistent action—eroded steadily.

Ultimately, Trump did not destroy ethical values; he exposed their fragility when institutions fail to enforce them. The challenge today is not merely preventing scandals, but restoring the meaning of ethics in a world where leaders can survive without accountability or apology. The arc from Nixon and Clinton to Chirac and Epstein, culminating in Trump’s transformative effect, underscores a timeless truth: moral authority derives not from declarations alone, but from consistent, visible, and impartial application—even when the powerful are implicated. Without this, ethics risk becoming elegant rhetoric devoid of consequence, and public trust remains the true casualty of political life.

Dr. Marwa El-Shinawy – Academic and Writer

The post Opinion | From Watergate to Epstein: How Trump Changed the Morality of the World first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

As part of its strategic efforts to strengthen Egypt’s position as a competitive sourcing destination, the Council—chaired by Fadel Marzouk—organised the Global Brands–Egyptian Suppliers Partnership Forum, bringing together international brands and local manufacturers.

The forum comes amid rising international interest in the Egyptian market, driven by the country’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, competitive geographic location, and growing ability to adapt to shifting global supply chain dynamics.

According to the Council, the forum focused on familiarising Egyptian companies with the international standards required by major global brands. These include workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, environmental management, transparency, and sustainable and responsible business practices, particularly as global regulatory oversight intensifies and consumer awareness of sustainability continues to grow.

Forum activities included detailed presentations by representatives of international brands on compliance requirements and partnership models, alongside direct networking sessions between sustainability and compliance teams from global brands and Egyptian manufacturers. Open discussions also addressed key operational challenges and opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Marzouk said the initiative aligns with the state’s broader economic objectives to attract major global brands, increase value added in the ready-made garments industry, support industrial growth in productive sectors, and position Egypt as a reliable and scalable sourcing hub that meets international standards. He stressed the Council’s continued commitment to supporting exporters to ensure the sector remains prepared for rapid changes in global sourcing patterns and able to capitalise on future growth opportunities.

Executive Director of the Council Sherin Hosny said the forum represents a practical step towards bridging the gap between global market requirements and local production capabilities. She noted that it enables Egyptian companies to align their production systems with international standards, enhance operational readiness, and reduce supply chain risks, ultimately supporting sustained export growth.

Hosny added that the forum facilitates direct communication and the development of long-term partnerships based on trust, reinforcing Egyptian exports and confirming Egypt’s status as a dependable and scalable sourcing centre in the coming years.

She also revealed that Egypt’s ready-made garments exports grew by 180% to Europe and 63% to the United States over the past five years. The forum, she said, supports the continuation of this growth by strengthening manufacturing capabilities and improving adherence to environmental and social standards.

Hosny highlighted Egypt’s competitive advantages, including the availability of skilled labour, streamlined procedures, and preferential trade agreements with major global markets, positioning the country as an attractive base for international apparel partnerships.

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At the centre of this historic shift is the United States. It has assumed the role of chief spokesperson for the law of the jungle. It revives the spirit of a doctrine President James Monroe articulated in 1823. When he declared that “the Americas are for the Americans,” he turned the Western Hemisphere into America’s backyard. Europe was kept at bay. Two centuries later, the Monroe Doctrine has outgrown geography. It has become global. A regional principle has mutated into a philosophy of domination.

What began as a warning to Europe is now a universal creed: “the world belongs to the strongest.” It has outgrown simple regional protection. Historically, Washington intervened in Latin America under the guise of shielding it from rival powers. Today, the doctrine justifies intervention anywhere, for any reason.

Venezuela was the first experiment. A laboratory for modern hegemony. Tanks are no longer necessary when sanctions can choke entire populations. Political pressure can topple governments and install others. The world sometimes applauds quietly. Often, it stays silent. History in Latin America repeats itself in a new tongue, with sharper instruments.

In the Middle East, nations are tested amid fire and steel. The Monroe Doctrine is alive here too. This is not merely a struggle over Iran’s nuclear programme. It is a blunt message: this region is America’s preserve. Any tree that grows without permission will be uprooted. Even long-standing allies are reduced to followers. Survival is exchanged for obedience. Independence is punished with neglect. Protection is now a commodity. Sovereignty is a favour Washington bestows—and can withdraw.

The most unsettling paradox is Greenland. At the edge of the world, all pretences have fallen. Washington’s claim on European territory, once firmly within the Old Continent’s sphere of influence, is no mere show of strength. It declares that no alliance is sacred. No friendship is inviolable. No boundary is immune to greed.

The Atlantic Alliance, Europe’s supposed shield, has become its constraint. Europeans face the crossroads Latin America once knew: bow and become American proxies—or resist and discover that the monster they feared might be a trembling shadow of their own making.

Behind this grand theatre, black gold flows. Oil is lifeblood. It drives both the old and the new Monroe Doctrine. It is no longer just energy. It is control. A chain of subjugation. America wins every wager with it. It strikes anyone who stands in its way. Whoever controls the oil routes controls the world. Whoever dictates its price shapes nations’ destinies. This simple equation built Washington’s empire—and now it may undo it.

The rest of the world stands paralysed. Two bitter choices remain: submit to the logic of a single dominant power and live under a merciless master, or fight to rewrite the rules of a game long assumed settled.

Some nations seek alternative alliances in secret. Others retreat into silence, waiting for the storm. A few dare to beat the drums of resistance, however faintly—much like countries in the Global South once did, defying the original Monroe Doctrine.

The harsh truth is this: the old world order has collapsed. The new one is not yet born. We live in a terrifying moment of transition. Everything is possible. Everything is dangerous. Greenland is no mere island of ice. It is a mirror, reflecting our fate. It tests whether we are peoples worthy of sovereignty—or flocks awaiting a shepherd. Two centuries ago, earlier generations faced the same test.

The future is not written by the strongest alone. It also belongs to those with the courage to say “no” when the world insists on “yes.” The battle is not just over land or resources. It is a battle of spirit. Of resolve. Of refusing to let the world become the backyard of any power, however mighty.

Do we have enough courage? Enough resolve? The answer lies in our silence before speech, in our fear before courage. History is watching. Waiting. Repeating the test it set for nations two centuries ago: will we be free, or will we be subjects?

Dr Marwa El-Shinawy – Academic and writer

The post Opinion | Trump’s America and the Global Monroe Doctrine: When Power Becomes Policy first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

The signing took place at an event in Cairo attended by Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti, and RMBV Managing Partner Ahmed Badreldin.

The fund aims to provide capital alongside managerial expertise to local enterprises operating in high-impact sectors, including consumer goods and services, healthcare, and education. It is expected to unlock new growth opportunities in Egypt, support regional expansion, and foster closer economic integration between Europe and Egypt.

RMBV North Africa Fund III is managed by RMBV, a regional investment firm with a strong track record in delivering sustainable growth. By supporting the expansion of local private sector companies, the fund seeks to promote innovation and competitiveness while strengthening trade and investment ties between European industries and Egypt.

Beyond capital mobilisation, the fund aligns with EIB Global’s mission to work closely with local investment firms capable of playing a catalytic role in domestic capital markets, while enhancing corporate governance, digitalisation and environmental standards.

“Given Egypt’s strategic importance in areas such as energy cooperation, migration and shared economic interests, it is a key counterpart for the European Union and central to EIB Global’s strategy,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “In this context, private equity funds play a crucial role in supporting the private sector and fostering a win-win approach between the European Union and Egyptian private sector partners.”

Minister Al-Mashat said the agreement marks an important chapter in the strategic partnership between Egypt and the EIB, reflecting confidence in the Egyptian economy and reinforcing the state’s direction towards maximising the role of the private sector as a key development partner. She noted that cooperation between the EIB and RMBV North Africa Fund III supports regional investments and enhances shared growth and economic integration between Egypt and Europe.

For his part, Ahmed Badreldin said RMBV aims, through its portfolio, to foster a virtuous cycle of growth by strengthening local value chains while deepening commercial and industrial partnerships with European suppliers, technology providers and service companies.

The initiative complements the European Union’s Global Gateway and Team Europe efforts to deepen cooperation through sustainable investment, innovation and inclusive growth. It supports private sector expansion in areas that enhance economic resilience, create quality jobs and contribute to the EU’s broader neighbourhood strategy for regional stability.

In line with EIB Global’s inclusive investment approach, the RMBV North Africa Fund III will ensure that at least 30% of its portfolio directly contributes to advancing gender equality. This includes supporting women-led enterprises, promoting gender-responsive business practices and fostering inclusive employment opportunities across its target sectors, with the aim of driving equitable growth across Egypt and North Africa.

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