President von der Leyen Welcomes H.M. King Abdullah of Jordan and Announces €902 Million Support Package

Brussels, November 7, 2023 – In a significant demonstration of the European Union’s commitment to fostering stability and progress in the Middle East, President of the European Commission  Ursula von der Leyen welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Brussels today. The meeting centered on recent regional developments and the critical role Jordan plays in maintaining stability. As a symbol of solidarity and support, the European Commission also revealed a substantial EU aid package for Jordan, amounting to a remarkable €902 million.

During their meeting, President von der Leyen expressed her gratitude for King Abdullah II’s pivotal role in the region, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation between the EU and Jordan. Their partnership spans across various sectors, including culture, water management, refugee support, education, and training.

President von der Leyen stated, “I thank King Abdullah II for his critical stabilising role in the region. The EU is a strong friend and partner of Jordan, and our cooperation spans many areas, from culture to water management, from refugee support to education and training. This is why I am happy to announce today that we will continue our strong support for Jordan’s reform process and modernisation of its economy.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Brussels today

EU Assistance Package for Jordan

Today’s EU assistance package for Jordan includes a range of initiatives aimed at fostering progress and prosperity in the region:

1. Education and Cultural Enrichment (€185 million): A significant portion of the aid package, €185 million, will be dedicated to enhancing education and technical training opportunities for the youth. This initiative also seeks to promote Jordan’s rich cultural heritage and create sustainable jobs in the tourism sector. Additionally, measures will be taken to ensure that refugees and vulnerable host communities have access to education, social protection, and water and sanitation services.
2. Private Sector and Youth Development (€110 million): The package also includes two new initiatives worth €110 million to promote private sector development and education. These initiatives aim to provide job opportunities for the youth, equipping them with the necessary skills required by the labor market. Furthermore, the aid will support small and medium enterprises in their efforts to develop and create fair and sustainable jobs, with a focus on innovative sectors like green and digital industries.
3. Water Sustainability (€197 million): The EU is supporting investments in Jordan to address the existing water shortage. This includes a grant contribution of €50 million to the Aqaba Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance project, along with an additional €47 million EU contribution. The project will provide 300 million cubic meters of drinking water every year to Jordan once operational in 2027. Efforts to reduce water losses and improve sustainability of water supply across Jordan will continue thanks to a €400 million EIB loan under discussion. Moreover, the package includes a new program for energy efficiency and promoting biogas production, with an EU contribution of €10.4 million.

A Strong and Lasting Partnership

The EU and Jordan confirmed their strong and lasting partnership at the 14th meeting of the Association Council of the EU and Jordan on June 2, 2022. The adoption of the new Partnership Priorities guiding their cooperation until 2027, in line with the new EU Agenda for the Mediterranean and its Economic and Investment plan, emphasises the commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship.

Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, said, “Today, we are advancing in the delivery of the EU’s over €900 million support package announced today for Jordan to support education and vocational training, protect the cultural heritage and create sustainable jobs by promoting the green, digital, and private sector. It will also help millions of refugees in the country and the vulnerable host communities to receive basic services.”

Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Gelsomina Vigliotti, emphasised the importance of water investment, stating, “New large-scale water investment across Jordan is crucial to address the challenges of increasingly scarce water and adapt to climate change. It unlocks investment to secure reliable and sustainable access to drinking water for millions of people, which is crucial for prosperity and stability in Jordan and the wider region.”

The EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Jordan’s development and fostering stability underscores the significance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing the complex challenges facing the Middle East. This generous aid package will undoubtedly contribute to the betterment of Jordan’s future and the entire region.

Editor: Andreea Gudin

© European Union, 2023