King witnesses signing of 3 billion euro partnership agreement between Jordan, EU

His Majesty King Abdullah II and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen witnessed the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between Jordan and the European Union (EU), attended by HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein, in Brussels.

The EU is tabling a financial assistance package to Jordan for 2025-2027, worth 3 billion euros to support the agreements' goals. This includes 640 million euros in grants, 1.4 billion euros in investments, and 1 billion euros in Macro-Financial Assistance.

The signing of the agreement underscores the importance of the partnership between Jordan and the EU and acknowledges Jordan's role in striving for peace and stability in the region.

The agreement stipulates enhancing cooperation between the two sides in political, security, and defense fields, economic resilience, trade and investment, human resources, and support for refugees and host countries.

It also includes provisions to strengthen efforts to combat drug and arms smuggling, promote private sector investments, and support various sectors such as water, energy, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The agreement reaffirms both parties' commitment to maintaining the historical status quo in the holy sites in Jerusalem and the importance of Hashemite guardianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the sacred city.

In July 2024, Jordan and the EU announced their desire to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, building on the strategic relations and the partnership agreement signed in 1997, which came into force in 2002 and remains effective.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Von der Leyen stated that Jordan is a key partner for the EU in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, playing a pivotal role in regional stability.

She added that this agreement deepens the strong friendship between the two sides and aims to enhance their ability to face common challenges.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, and on behalf of the EU, by European Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs Dubravka Šuica.