Egypt Aims to Meet Europe’s Growing Demand for Energy  

The Egyptian Minister of Petroleum, the Swedish ambassador in Cairo and a delegation from the European Union during an event hosted by the Swedish embassy on the energy link between Egypt and Europe, on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Egyptian Minister of Petroleum, the Swedish ambassador in Cairo and a delegation from the European Union during an event hosted by the Swedish embassy on the energy link between Egypt and Europe, on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt Aims to Meet Europe’s Growing Demand for Energy  

The Egyptian Minister of Petroleum, the Swedish ambassador in Cairo and a delegation from the European Union during an event hosted by the Swedish embassy on the energy link between Egypt and Europe, on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Egyptian Minister of Petroleum, the Swedish ambassador in Cairo and a delegation from the European Union during an event hosted by the Swedish embassy on the energy link between Egypt and Europe, on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Swedish Embassy in Cairo hosted a panel discussion with European and Egyptian policy makers and representatives of the business community to discuss policies, priorities and financial mechanisms to support the energy transition and link Europe and Egypt in this field.

This comes amid efforts by European Union countries to achieve energy security while seeking to reach carbon neutrality.

Sweden’s ambassador to Egypt Hakan Emsgard said: “The demand for sustainable energy in Europe is increasing, and Egypt is in a good position to provide the continent with this energy... This will benefit both sides economically, and will also benefit the climate, as energy can be used more efficiently and sustainably.”

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Moulla stressed that the geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in the energy market pushed countries to further diversify their energy sources in order to achieve energy security.

He said energy security and energy neutrality were two complementary goals, adding that Egypt aims to play a key role in the flow of global energy trade and to promote a better environment to ensure continued cooperation.

“Egypt has proven that it possesses the keys to being a regional hub for gas and oil through its strategic location, well-established energy industry and strong infrastructure,” El-Moulla emphasized.

Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt Ambassador Christian Berger said: “If we want to offer a green deal for Europe, and make the European Union a model for a just and sustainable transition, we believe we cannot do it alone. We need to invite and help others to do the same. Then, we will be able to really influence the future of our world.”



Gold Edges Down as Markets Eye Fed's 2025 Monetary Policy Outlook

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
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Gold Edges Down as Markets Eye Fed's 2025 Monetary Policy Outlook

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

Gold prices edged lower as the dollar held firm on Wednesday, with investors awaiting a key US Federal Reserve decision expected to shape market sentiment and gold's trajectory by outlining the central bank's 2025 outlook.

Spot gold slipped 0.3% to $2,637.13 per ounce by 10:00 a.m. EST (1500 GMT). US gold futures were down 0.3% at $2,653.20.

The Fed's 2025 economic projections and decision are due at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), followed by Fed chair Jerome Powell's press conference at 2:30 p.m. EST, Reuters reported.

"What markets will truly focus on is the tone set by Jerome Powell. A hawkish stance could drive Treasury yields higher and bolster the dollar, putting downward pressure on gold prices," said Ricardo Evangelista, senior analyst at ActivTrades.

"Conversely, a more cautious tone might provide some support for bullion."

While markets are pricing in a 99% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut during this meeting, the chances of another reduction in January stand at only 17%.

Non-yielding gold tends to do well in a low-interest-rate environment.

Traders are also watching out for key US GDP and inflation data due later this week that could further shape expectations around monetary policy.

"I do see the consolidation as a continuation pattern within the longer term uptrend in gold. I think that trend will re-exert itself in the first quarter of 2025," said Peter Grant, vice president and senior metals strategist at Zaner Metals.

Grant highlighted that bullion remains underpinned by easing central bank policies, geopolitical tensions, sustained buying by central banks, and rising global political instability.

UBS echoed this sentiment in a note, predicting gold would "build on its gains in 2025." The bank emphasized that central banks are likely to continue accumulating gold as they diversify reserves, while heightened demand for hedges could drive inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Spot silver fell 1.1% at $30.19 per ounce, platinum slipped 1.3% to $926.90, while palladium declined 1.3% to $922.19.