1. EU-Jordan Friendship Committee
Andrea Matteo Fontana
EU Ambassador to Jordan
EU – Jordan relations
Senate of Jordan
EU-Jordan Friendship Committee
Thursday 25 January 2018

2. The EU and Jordan Importance of EU-JO relations
Regional developments and challenges
Association Agreement
Partnership Priorities
Single Support Framework 2

3. Regional developments
Jerusalem EU continues to respect the international consensus on Jerusalem (UNSCR 478)
Refugees EU recognizes the importance of UNRWA to JO and is committed to continue support to the agency
Syria EU continues to recognise the impact of the Syria crisis on Jordan. The EU Jordan Compact is a pertinent example of how EU and Jordan collaborate to deal with the crisis holistically
Iraq EU welcomes the support of JO in rebuilding Iraq, the reopening of the border and the continued hosting of Iraqi refugees by JO
The EU has and will remain a close partner of JO before, during and after the crisis
EU collectively with MS largest donor to UNRWA

4. EU-Jordan Association Agreement
When? Signed in 1997, in force since 2002
Why? To enhance the political relations and the dialogue between EU and Jordan.
What? To provide an appropriate legal framework allowing the development of close relations between the Parties
To foster the establishment of bilateral free trade
between the EU and Jordan.
To support cooperation in Social and Cultural matters.

5. PARTNERSHIP PRIORITIES
When?  Agreed in July 2016
Why?  Renewed framework for political engagement and enhanced cooperation that includes commitments on both sides for
Priorities  Strengthening cooperation on regional stability, security including counter-terrorism
 Enhancing Jordan’s social and economic development in line with Jordan 2025
 Supporting efforts to strengthen governance, the rule of law, democratic reform and human rights
The objective of the EU – Jordan Compact, which address the impact of the Syrian Crisis is to improve the living conditions of the hpst community and the refugees temporarily staying in Jordan.
- PPs and Compact also build on the Government of Jordan's national strategies, in particular "Jordan 2025: a National Vision and Strategy", a ten-year socio-economic blueprint aimed at improving
the welfare of citizens and their basic services

6. EU and Jordan partners on Rule of Law and democracy
EU supports Jordan's justice sector reform
EU and JO have agreed on a multi-year programme to support the independent election commission and strengthen the parliamentary and political party system
EU supports the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs in stepping up the decentralisation process
Key achievements
Training of judges and prosecutors as well as building capacity in the Judicial Institute among other activities

7. EU and Jordan partners on Preventing-Countering Violent Extremism
Cooperation JO plays an active and leading role in the region to counter terrorism and violent extremism. EU will continue to strengthen cooperation with JO on P- CVE as per the Partnership Priorities
EU-JO Compact The EU-Jordan Compact commitment to Stability and Security focuses on CVE, countering financing of terrorism and aviation and border security
Projects EU is funding projects to support national and local stakeholders address radicalisation through youth-focused activities

8. EU and Jordan partners on Trade
EU-Jordan trade facilitation in view of enhancing investments, export and job opportunities including for Syrian refugees
Relaxation of the Rules of Origin:
10 years duration;
18 designated economic zones and 54 products
15% of jobs for the 1st and 2nd year;
25%of jobs from the 3rd
Easier access to the EU market
Agadir Process:
EU supports Jordan as a signatory of the Agadir Agreement with the aim of creating an Arab free trade area

9. EU and Jordan partners on Education
EU provides support to education in Jordan and views it as a powerful instrument for enhancing social and economic development
Key achievements
4000 academic staff, and students have travelled to and from Jordan in the last 3 years
263 JO students received a master degree or research scholarship
920 mobilities for students and 1051 mobilities for staff

10. EU and Jordan partners on Research
The EU and Jordan will continue to foster innovative research and knowledge-based solutions and cooperation in a range of sectors
Promising initiatives
SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East)
Science for peace and cooperation in the Middle East through initiatives like SESAME - first major international research centre in the region

11. EU and Jordan partners on Energy
EU prioritises work on innovative solutions and cooperation aimed at improving renewable energy access and energy efficiency in Jordan
Key achievements
solar water heater installed in the less developed areas of the country
40 schools in host communities equipped with solar panels for renewable energy production
Over photovoltaic solar panels in public institutions and host communities

12. EU and Jordan partners on Natural Resources
Sustainable management of natural resources
Collaboration on the sustainable use of natural resources is an important pillar of the Partnership Priorities
Dead sea/Red sea project
Clean water /renewable energy production and contribute to the Dead Sea stabilisation
EUR 40 M grant to be blended with European concessional loans

13. on Private Sector Development
EU and Jordan partners
on Private Sector Development
The EU and Jordan are prioritising and multiplying their efforts in support of private sector development
Key achievements
More than 1,000 companies supported
Entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation supported through projects like ShamalStart (start-up incubator)

14. CURRENT EU ASSISTANCE TO JORDAN
Portfolio
>1 billion EURO
Grants: 850 Million EURO in grants
EU Regional Trust Fund (Madad Fund): 212 Million EURO
Macro Financial Assistance: 200 Million EURO

15. More than 70 countries pledged € 5.6 billion
€ 1.3 billion from the EU, by far the largest donor to the crisis
EU committed to maintain similar levels of support
In 2017, focus has been on helping Jordan benefit from the relaxation of the Rules of Origin
Preparations are under way for Brussels II Conference in April

16. EU is working to ensure that the Syria crisis stays at the top of the agenda
The Brussels conference in April 2018 will include pledging for neighbouring countries dealing with the crisis including JO
Focus will be on protection, education, livelihoods and special support for neighbouring countries

17. Thank you for your attention! - Questions and comments?