The European Union has sought a clarification by the Egyptian government on the exact consequences of declaring the legislative framework governing the parliamentary elections unconstitutional as soon as possible.
In a statement issued on Friday in the wake of the Supreme Constitutional Court's rulings that the Islamist-led Parliament must be immediately dissolved, EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton called on all parties to ensure a peaceful and transparent environment for the presidential run-off this weekend, as the electoral process will continue to be followed closely.
She stressed the fundamental importance of the democratic process and institutions, and the duty to protect basic human rights for all. The Egyptian people must be able to determine their own future, she added.
The High Representative reiterated the importance of the transfer to civilian rule as soon as possible according to the announced timetable.
"The EU emphasizes its full support to the democratic transition which must lead to a strong response to the people's demands for freedom, democracy and economic opportunity," the statement added.
Egypt's highest court ruled on Thursday that last year's parliamentary election was unconstitutional, with one third of the seats "illegitimate." The ruling came days before Egypt's presidential run-off.
In a separate politically-charged ruling, the court said that former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq could continue to run for the presidency in the June 16-17 run-off, rejecting as unconstitutional a law that would have blocked senior Mubarak-era officials from the presidential race.
Shafiq is contesting against the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Mursi in a tight second-round presidential election.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.