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EU Unveils €3 Billion Investment Package to Strengthen Jordan Partnership Amid Regional Crises

Economy News – Follow-up

The European Union has announced a substantial commitment of three billion euros (approximately $3.1 billion) for Jordan in the context of a new strategic partnership framework. This investment aims to bolster economic cooperation and humanitarian efforts.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the timeliness of this partnership during a signing ceremony in Brussels with Jordanian monarch Abdullah II. She stated, “Given the current geopolitical transformations and escalating crises in the region, reinforcing the partnership between the European Union and Jordan is a critical decision at a pivotal moment.”

Von der Leyen acknowledged Jordan’s vital contributions, particularly its “primary role” in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza and its significance as a regional hub for humanitarian assistance.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Jordan has initiated an eight-day air bridge to provide humanitarian, medical, and food aid to the Gaza Strip, affected by prolonged conflict.

Furthermore, von der Leyen highlighted Jordan’s leadership in supporting the transitional processes in Syria, underscoring its strategic importance in regional stability.

The allocation of this financial aid is structured over three years, encompassing grants of 640 million euros, investments totaling 1.4 billion euros, and economic support estimated at around 1 billion euros.

The partnership between the European Union and Jordan will encompass a variety of sectors, including regional cooperation, security, defense, trade, investment, education, and refugee assistance.

Von der Leyen reiterated that Jordan represents a “main partner” in the Middle East, poised to play a “pivotal role” in the future developments of the region.

Hosting approximately 2.3 million Palestinian refugees, Jordan has consistently been viewed by European nations as a cornerstone of stability in a conflict-ridden area.

A statement from the Jordanian Royal Court indicated that the agreement includes provisions aimed at enhancing efforts against drug and weapons trafficking, stimulating private sector investment, and providing support to various sectors, including water, energy, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, the agreement reaffirms the commitment of both parties to uphold the historical status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem and acknowledges the significance of the Hashemite guardianship over Islamic and Christian sacred sites in the city.

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