Latest news with #Pierre-ChristopheChatzisavas
Jordan Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Amman hosts regional forum on sustainable, inclusive employment
The European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean, in partnership with the Business Development Centre (BDC), launches the 'Green Entrepreneurship: Pathways to Sustainable and Inclusive Employment' forum in Amman on Wednesday (Petra photo) AMMAN — The European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean, in partnership with the Business Development Centre (BDC), launched the 'Green Entrepreneurship: Pathways to Sustainable and Inclusive Employment' forum in Amman on Wednesday. The event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development practitioners to explore how green enterprise can drive inclusive economic growth across the region, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Labour Minister Khaled Bakkar, EU Ambassador Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, and several members of the diplomatic corps attended the forum, which focused on scaling green business models, building resilient labour markets, and advancing environmental innovation. Speakers emphasised the need for stronger alignment between public policy and private sector initiatives to unlock the potential of the green economy, particularly in the areas of job creation, skills development, and digital transformation. 'The shift to a green economy is not a luxury, it's a strategic necessity,' said Bakkar. 'It opens new opportunities for investment in clean energy, recycling and climate tech, while offering a path to improved livelihoods and more resilient communities.' He underscored the importance of coordinated action across government, business, and civil society, stressing that green entrepreneurship must be treated as a key component of economic modernisation rather than a peripheral concern. Chatzisavas reiterated the EU's commitment to the region, highlighting that green and inclusive growth will be central to the forthcoming EU-Mediterranean partnership framework. 'This is about moving from vision to implementation,' he said. 'We need policy coherence and private sector engagement to turn green opportunities into real jobs.' BDC founder and former labour minister Nayef Stetieh described the forum as a platform for action-oriented dialogue. He called for enhanced support systems to empower youth and women to take leadership roles in green sectors. 'We must enable local talent not just to participate in the green economy, but to shape it,' he said. Organisers said the forum serves as a lead-up to the upcoming Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Employment and Labour, scheduled for later this year. Outcomes from the event will help inform regional priorities and contribute to a shared roadmap for sustainable employment and green enterprise development.
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
