Over the past two years, the European Union and Jordan have deepened their partnership, according to an EU report released today. As the country is faced with increasing challenges, notably due to the crisis in Syria, the EU has stepped up its support to Jordan, strengthening diplomatic ties as well as economic and trade cooperation.

This is the observation of the joint report released by the European External Action Service and the European Commission on the partnership between the EU and Jordan for the period from March 2015 to April 2017. The report comes ahead of the 12th EU-Jordan Association Council, scheduled to take place on 10 July.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini described the EU and Jordan as “strong, like-minded partners”, adding: “We have deep bilateral relations and share the same views on key regional issues, from the Middle East Peace Process to the situation in Iraq and the Syria crisis… Jordan can count on our strong support to face incredibly challenging times, where it has to respond to the aspirations of Jordanian people while ensuring a safe environment for refugees.”

European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn added the EU fully supported “Jordan’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth that will guarantee prosperity over the longer-term, looking beyond the Syrian crisis.” He pointed to the EU’s decision to make it easier for Jordan to gain access to EU markets and support to Jordan’s efforts to address macro-economic imbalances, strengthen democratic institutions and to ensure a business climate that leads to investment and job creation.

Over the past two years, the EU has stepped up its support to Jordan, notably through increased cooperation assistance, political support and trade and macro-economic measures. Cooperation has been directed towards reinforcing the resilience of Jordan’s people and institutions to face the current economic, social, security and migration challenges, stimulate an inclusive and dynamic economy and society, especially to foster job creation for the young people and women, and strengthen democratic governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

EU cooperation assistance to Jordan for the period March 2015 to April 2017 exceeded €1.3 billion.

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Press release

Full country report

EU support to Jordan

EU-Jordan partnership priorities and EU-Jordan Compact

Delegation of the European Union to Jordan