Greek Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Nikolas Farantouris is calling for the re-examination of a 4-billion-euro EU funding package to Egypt, following developments that threaten the status and operation of the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai.
Farantouris warned that an Egyptian court decision could lead to the dissolution of the Greek Orthodox monastic presence, the transfer of monastery property to the Egyptian state, and potentially result in the expulsion of the 20 Orthodox monks currently residing there.
“If this decision is implemented, the ownership status of the monastery will change, its property will be transferred to the Egyptian state, and the monks will eventually be expelled. The facilities may even be converted into a museum, risking alteration or demolition of historic buildings,” Farantouris said.
The MEP described the situation as “extremely worrying” and a blatant violation of religious rights, emphasizing that the monastery is one of the oldest Christian institutions in continuous operation since 456 AD.
The court ruling has already sparked diplomatic tension between Greece and Egypt, with broader implications for religious freedom and cultural preservation.
Farantouris, a member of the European Parliament’s Budget Committee, noted that the disputed monastery’s status comes as the EU approved a 4-billion-euro aid package for Egypt under the Sustainable Development Strategy 2030.
According to the EU-Egypt Memorandum of Cooperation, the disbursement of funds is conditional on Egypt’s progress in upholding democratic mechanisms, the rule of law, and human rights.
Farantouris is urging the European Commission to intervene, stating: “As the guardian of European law and international agreements, the Commission must take action. In cooperation with the European Parliament and the Council, it should suspend disbursement of the aid package if Egypt does not immediately resolve the issue, which clearly violates the rights of religious communities and places of worship, particularly that of the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine of Sinai, a sacred site for over 1,500 years.”
