Brussels – Amman: Europe and the Arabs

A European statement issued in Brussels said that the partnership between the European Union and Jordan will enter a phase of intensive implementation this year, with key milestones that will strengthen cooperation and increase its impact. These milestones include the high-level EU-Jordan Investment Conference (April 2026), the launch of the first EU-Jordan Security and Defence Dialogue, and further dialogue on human rights.

The first multi-sector budget support agreement is expected to be signed in early 2026, enabling key reforms to enhance competitiveness, employment, and the business environment in Jordan.

The EU and Jordan will boost cross-border trade and investment by signing a number of pioneering infrastructure and connectivity projects during the EU-Jordan Investment Conference in spring 2026. These are expected to include the Aqaba-Amman National Water Conveyance Project for desalination.

According to a statement from the European Commission in Brussels, the EU and Jordan celebrated a significant milestone in their long-standing relationship with the holding of their first bilateral summit. The European Union was represented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Commission President António Costa, while Jordan was represented by His Majesty King Abdullah II.

The leaders reviewed the progress made in implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (CSPA) between the EU and Jordan, signed a year ago, and outlined future priorities, including the high-level EU-Jordan Investment Conference scheduled for April 2026. The summit reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Jordan as a key strategic partner for stability, prosperity, and cooperation in the Middle East and Mediterranean region.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The partnership between the EU and Jordan is stronger than ever. This first EU-Jordan Summit marks the anniversary of the signing of the CSPA and the tangible achievements we have made together since then. From enhanced political cooperation and strengthened security dialogue to reforms, investments, and opportunities for both citizens and businesses, we are translating our commitments into concrete actions for shared stability, resilience, and prosperity.” During its first year, the Strategic Partnership Initiative achieved tangible results across its five pillars: first, political relations and regional cooperation; second, security and defense; third, economic resilience, trade, and investment; fourth, human capital, including education and skills; and fifth, migration, refugee protection, and support.

Leaders strengthened political relations by deepening dialogue and joint action to support regional stability. Security and defense cooperation saw significant progress thanks to new support from the European Union under the European Peace Instrument and advancements in integrated border management.

On the economic front, the European Union supported Jordan’s reform program and enhanced its economic resilience.

In September 2025, the European Union adopted and began implementing a €500 million Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) program. A further €500 million MFA program will be adopted in 2026. This program will include budget support disbursements and accelerated investment mobilization, including investments in green transition, water, energy, and digital connectivity. The European Union and Jordan have strengthened their cooperation in people-to-people exchanges through education, skills, research, and youth mobility programs, including the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). The EU has also continued to support Jordan’s exceptional efforts in hosting refugees and ensuring their access to services, livelihoods, and protection. Cooperation with Jordan will be further intensified within the framework of the Mediterranean Compact and the forthcoming First Action Plan (scheduled for launch in March 2026).

Jordan is a strategic partner for Europe in the Middle East and a cornerstone of regional stability.

The EU and Jordan signed a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership Agreement on 29 January 2025 in Brussels. The signing ceremony was presided over by EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuić, and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan, in the presence of President Ursula von der Leyen and King Abdullah II.

This partnership reflects the EU’s long-standing commitment to supporting Jordan’s stability, its reform program, and its socio-economic resilience, as well as building a shared future of cooperation in the region. This is based on a €3 billion financial and investment package from the European Union for Jordan for the period 2025-2027, which includes €640 million in grants, about €1.4 billion in additional investments, and €1 billion in soft loans through macro-financial assistance.