CAIRO - The Egyptian revolution has not finished yet and there are many risks still to be faced amid great expectations of the Egyptian people, the president of the 27-member European Union said in Cairo. As part of his two-day visit to Egypt, bringing with him a message of support and solidarity, Jose Manuel Barroso, the EU president, held talks with Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), and Prime Minister Essam Sharaf. "The successful democratic experience in Egypt is a major support for stability in the region and for Europe's southern neighbours," Barroso told Sharaf, stressing that the European bloc seeks to help Egypt as "part of investing in the future". Barroso also discussed with Egyptian officials how the EU can help Egypt at this crucial stage, enhancing co-operation between Europe and Egypt. He pointed out that Egypt was on the road to democracy, freedom and openness with others. "However, this road will not be an easy one and will meet with some obstacles.” The EU's top official also delivered a speech at the Cairo Opera House to diplomats, Minister of Finance Samir Radwan and media people. In an earlier speech at the Cairo Opera House, Borroso commended the Egyptian people who fought courageously to create a better life, stressing that he had come to Egypt “to listen, not to lecture”. “The European Union doesn't ask its neighbours to copy models. We simply offer our experience and assistance, should you think it can help you in your search for institutions, new opportunities and a new social contract,” the official explained. With Egypt's educated and ambitious youth, tremendous natural resources and a world-class tourism sector, the future looks promising, he said. Borroso also suggested how the EU can help Egypt at the economic level. “Our financial commitment will rise to 20 billion euros in the coming three years, with another six billion euros in loans available. Already there are nine Egyptian projects in the pipeline for the coming 12 months, worth well over 1 billion euros,” he said. “Democratic transformation and institution building, supporting civil society, and sustainable and inclusive growth” are three priorities for Egyptians that the EU wants to support. "Democracy alone will not eradicate poverty, nor will it create the jobs that Egypt needs," Barroso said.
