The European Union has approved a 20 million euro assistance package to the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) via the European Peace Facility, aiming to bolster Egypt's national security, civilian protection, and maritime security in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. This funding, disbursed on June 8th, brings the total EU contribution to the Egyptian military to 40 million euros since 2024, aligning with the EU's strategic partnership with Egypt signed in 2024. This decision, however, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, which highlight ongoing systematic repression, intolerance for dissent, and violations of economic and social rights under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime, noting thousands prosecuted and continued impunity for abuses by security forces. Despite these concerns and specific cases like that of Giulio Regeni, the EU continues its engagement with Cairo, prioritizing security and strategic alliances over traditional advocacy for democracy and human rights.