Europe’s arms sales to Egypt, particularly its navy, are underpinned by both historical factors and modern changes in geopolitical affairs, writes Mohamed Soliman for Foreign Affairs. The strategic importance of Egypt to Europe (especially France) has always been the Suez Canal and the need to keep it open for European shipping, with France and UK going to war when Nasser nationalized it. Egypt’s importance grew as countries vied for a greater share of foreign trade, while modern terrorism and illegal migration have now added a new level of urgency to ensure Cairo receives the aid it needs.