Members of parliament have signed-off on the new draft law for NGOs, Ahram Gate reports. While they can still receive funding from foreign institutions, civil society groups must first acquire government approval in accordance with the new law. The act also forbids NGOs from participating in political activities whether through funding, endorsement, or otherwise. During their Tuesday session, the House of Representatives also voted in favor of four international cooperation agreements between Egypt and a number of countries that should reel in about USD 3.5 bn in funds, including a JPY 18 bn loan from Japan and a EUR 65 mn facility from Germany.