Latest news with #EU-Jordan
Jordan Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Forced displacement of Palestinians war crime, violates international law
EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas AMMAN — EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas on Thursday stressed the EU's stance that any forced displacement of Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territories is a war crime and a clear violation of international law. In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Chatzisavas emphasised that Gaza remains an integral part of Palestinian territories and must be part of the future independent Palestinian state. He also reaffirmed that the two-state solution is the only viable path to long-term regional security and stability, underscoring the EU's steadfast commitment to this stance. The ambassador also commended Jordan as a key ally and one of the EU's closest partners in the region, highlighting the deep-rooted bilateral relations built on mutual respect and shared benefits over several decades. He also emphasised the significance of the EU-Jordan partnership agreement, which has been in place for more than 20 years and remains one of the EU's most advanced partnerships, noting that the agreement includes a free trade deal and is periodically updated every four to five years. He also said "Following extensive discussions over the past six months to redefine priorities, the two sides formalised their new strategic partnership agreement on January 29 under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah. This agreement is structured around five core pillars: politics, security, investment, human development, and migration." In terms of economic relations, Chatzisavas underscored the EU-Jordan trade agreement's advantages, particularly the facilitation of Jordanian exports to European markets free from quotas and tariffs. Ongoing efforts to update the simplified rules of origin framework will further enhance Jordan's exports. With a market of 450 million consumers, the EU sees a growing need to diversify Jordan's export base. Investment is another key priority, with the new strategic partnership agreement featuring a 3 billion euro support package, including a 1 billion euro concessional loan aimed to ease Jordan's macroeconomic challenges and facilitate structural and fiscal reforms. "An additional 600 million euros in grants, including direct budgetary support, will help Jordan manage external pressures and continue its modernisation efforts." Chatzisavas also highlighted the EU's ability to leverage up to 1.4 billion euros in investments in Jordan through partnerships with institutions such as the European Investment Bank, citing the Water Carrier Project as an example, where EU grants facilitate access to concessional loans for large-scale infrastructure projects. Chatzisavas also reiterated that EU development aid to Jordan is aimed at poverty alleviation and improving access to essential services, including education and healthcare. He highlighted EU support for programmes addressing social challenges such as employment, gender-based violence and the refugee crisis. He also emphasised the EU's ongoing commitment to supporting the Syrian Refugee response and UNRWA. On humanitarian assistance, he pointed to the EU's 130 million euro pledge for Gaza aid at the start of 2024, supporting evacuation efforts for hundreds of children now receiving treatment in EU countries. He also commended Jordan's initiative, led by King Abdullah, to provide medical treatment for 2,000 children from Gaza. On the political front, Chatzisavas said that the EU is committed to increasing political dialogue, with plans to hold a summit every two years and regular invitations for Jordan's foreign minister to address the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Regarding security cooperation, the ambassador highlighted the EU's desire to boost cooperation in areas such as counter-narcotics, international crime, counterterrorism, and the rule of law, highlighting growing military cooperation between the EU and the Kingdom. Page 2
Arab News
29-01-2025
- Business
- Arab News
EU pledges 3 billion euros for Jordan in new ‘strategic' partnership
'With the current geopolitical shifts and growing crises in the region, strengthening the EU-Jordan partnership is the right decision at the right time,' von der Leyen said'The EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges'BRUSSELS: The European Union on Wednesday promised 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) of financing and investments for Jordan as part of a new 'strategic' partnership with the key Middle East ally.'With the current geopolitical shifts and growing crises in the region, strengthening the EU-Jordan partnership is the right decision at the right time,' European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen King Abdullah II was in Brussels to oversee the signing of the agreement that runs from 2025 through country, which hosts millions of refugees from around neighboring countries, has long been seen by Europe as a vital bulwark of stability in a region wracked by status has become even more important in the face of the war in Gaza and as Syria undergoes an uncertain transition after the ouster of Bashar Assad.'Jordan is playing a critical role to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and the EU acknowledges the importance of Jordan as a regional hub for humanitarian assistance,' von der Leyen said.'Jordan's leadership in supporting Syria's transition highlights its pivotal role in shaping the region's future.'Brussels said the package for Jordan would be made up of 640 million euros of grants, one billion euros of grants and 1.4 billion euros of investments.'The EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges, pursuing reforms that drive growth and societal progress,' said von der EU is desperate for stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region as it hopes to avoid major flows of migrants to economy has been buffeted by the conflicts across the Middle East, with the IMF saying the crises have dampened growth.
The National
29-01-2025
- Business
- The National
EU gives Jordan $3bn in ‘strategic partnership' deal
Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza The European Union signed a deal on Wednesday to give more than $3 billion to Jordan as part of a new "strategic partnership" to bolster ties in Middle East security and trade. Jordan's King Abdullah II finalised the agreement in Brussels on Wednesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She said the EU and Jordan were "taking their unique relationship to the next level" at a time of "growing crises" in the Middle East. The five-point deal calls for an EU-Jordan summit every two years to build political ties, boost co-operation in tackling crime and terrorism, support economic reforms and education in Jordan, and work on "durable solutions" for the displaced Syrians and Palestinians who live there. Jordan hosts more than 700,000 refugees, the second highest per-capita burden in the world after Lebanon. King Abdullah has repeatedly pressed European leaders to step up peace efforts in the Middle East and offer a way forward for Palestinians. Jordan has previously ruled out taking in more refugees but US President Donald Trump says he told the king that he'd "love for you to take on more". "Jordan is a key partner for Europe in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, serving as a pillar of regional stability," Ms von der Leyen said. She said it had shown "leadership in supporting Syria's transition" after the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime that "highlights its pivotal role in shaping the region's future". Jordan's Royal Hashemite Court said the deal "confirms the importance of the partnership between Jordan and the European Union, and is an appreciation of the kingdom's role in seeking to achieve peace and stability in the region". It was officially signed by Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Co-operation Zeina Touqan, with Crown Prince Hussein also in attendance. The financial package will consist of $1.46 billion in investment, $1.04 billion in loans and $665.4 million in grants, the commission said. It said the partnership would "open up further avenues for investments and enhance business opportunities for European companies" by promoting stability. "The EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges, pursuing reforms that drive growth and societal progress, and attracting more investments to strengthen its economy," Ms von der Leyen said. "This is my message to King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan today: Europe deeply values this partnership." Economic plans include promoting clean energy and digital technology, and creating jobs in Jordan, the commission said. It said the EU would continue to support the Jordanian Armed Forces through a budget called the European Peace Facility, which pays for arms shipments to Ukraine.
Ammon
29-01-2025
- Business
- Ammon
EU, Jordan are taking their unique relationship to next level, EU President says
Ammon News - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that today, during King Abdullah II's visit to Brussels, the European Union and Jordan are taking their unique relationship to the next level by signing a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. In a statement by the commission, the President added, "With this partnership, the EU and Jordan are deepening what is already a long-standing relationship and strong friendship, to better meet common challenges and advance shared values of peace, democracy and human rights. Jordan is a key partner for Europe in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, serving as a pillar of regional stability. Jordan has shown tremendous generosity by hosting millions of refugees, and it is wholeheartedly committed to the promotion of peace and security in the region and worldwide. Jordan is playing a critical role to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and the EU acknowledges the importance of Jordan as a regional hub for humanitarian assistance. Jordan's leadership in supporting Syria's transition highlights its pivotal role in shaping the region's future." The EU and Jordan are standing side by side to support each other in meeting the extraordinary challenges we are all facing. With the current geopolitical shifts and growing crises in the region, strengthening the EU-Jordan partnership is the right decision at the right time, according to the statement. The statement added that the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership focuses on three main goals: supporting Jordan's stability, contributing to King Abdullah II's political, economic and administrative modernisation vision, and fostering economic resilience. Today, the EU is showing its commitment to support Jordan in navigating the current geopolitical challenges, pursuing reforms that drive growth and societal progress, and attracting more investments to strengthen its economy. This partnership is backed by a financial and investment package for 2025–2027, estimated at EUR 3 billion — a meaningful increase reflecting the urgency and scale of the challenges in the Middle East. With this partnership, the EU and Jordan will work together across a wide range of areas, including political relations and regional cooperation, security and defence, economic resilience, trade and investment, education and skills, migration and refugee support. "This is my message to King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan today. Europe deeply values this partnership. Your resilience and commitment to regional stability are remarkable. Europe will remain at your side through thick and thin," the President said. The EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership The EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership builds on an already strong relationship, grounded in the Association Agreement and the Jordan-EU Partnership Priorities (2021-2027). This new initiative, discussed and agreed upon at the EU-Jordan Association Council on 15 July 2024, marks a significant step forward in deepening cooperation. The Partnership focuses on supporting Jordan's stability amid extraordinary geopolitical challenges, advancing King Abdullah II's political, economic and administrative modernisation vision, and fostering economic resilience. It aims to promote sustainable growth by attracting investments in key sectors, including digital technology, green energy, sustainable tourism, mining, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. A shared commitment to sustainable trade and increased engagement with the private sector underpins this effort, along with a focus on expanding the presence of European investors. The Partnership will also enhance people-to-people contacts, will encourage more civil society engagement on both sides and will promote Jordan's participation in relevant EU programmes. To support these goals, the EU is tabling a financial package for 2025-2027, worth EUR 3 billion. This includes EUR 640 million in grants, EUR 1.4 billion in investments, and EUR 1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance. The Partnership is structured around five key pillars: Political Relations and Regional Cooperation Both sides will strengthen their commitment to promoting peace, security, democracy, and human rights across the Middle East and Mediterranean. An EU-Jordan Summit will be held every two years, complemented by regular engagements in the framework of the Association agreement, in international fora and within the context of the Union for the Mediterranean. Security and Defence Enhanced cooperation will address shared security challenges, including terrorism, hybrid threats, drug trafficking, and organized crime. The EU will continue supporting the Jordanian Armed Forces through mechanisms like the European Peace Facility and deepen collaboration to tackle cyber threats. Economic Resilience, Trade, and Investment The EU will back structural reforms that drive growth and employment while maximizing the potential of the Free Trade Area. Focus areas include green transition, sustainable resource management, and expanded cooperation on digitalisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Human Capital Recognising the importance of human capital, the EU and Jordan will work to bridge skills gaps, foster inclusivity, and promote job creation. Initiatives will include support for quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial development. Migration, Protection and support to Refugees The EU and Jordan will strengthen their cooperation on border management, the fight against smuggling and human trafficking. They will enhance cooperation on durable solutions for refugees, including complementary pathways for protection and safe, voluntary and dignified returns, also in cooperation with international Agencies. Both sides will enhance coordination on humanitarian aid, with Jordan continuing its role as a regional hub for assistance. Support for vulnerable groups, Syrian refugees, host communities, and Palestinian refugees—including through UNRWA—will remain a priority. The EU and Jordan will also support a peaceful transition in Syria and urge continued international backing for Syrian refugees and host countries.
