EU and Jordan sign Memorandum on further cooperation

Met dank overgenomen van Europese Commissie (EC) i, gepubliceerd op maandag 13 oktober 2014.

European Commission

Statement

Brussels, 13 October 2014

EU and Jordan sign Memorandum on further cooperation

Amman (13 October) - Commissioner Štefan Füle i, responsible for the Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union is visiting Jordan. During the visit, the European Union and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning the EU-Jordan bilateral cooperation for the period of 2014-2017 including an indicative financial allocation of up to €382 million. This is what he said to the press after the signature:

"I am happy to sign this Memorandum of Understanding on EU-Jordan cooperation for next four year's. It is an important document which sets the priorities of our cooperation for the next four years. These priorities are:

  • 1) 
    rule of law, enhanced accountability in public service delivery,
  • 2) 
    employment and private sector development,
  • 3) 
    renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The signed document includes an indicative financial allocation of up to €382 million until 2017. The final amount will depend on the progress of political and economic reforms.

This support does not include the so called "umbrella programs", support available under the principle "more for more" and part of our Syria related assistance.

Why is all of this important? Let me make three points to explain:

First: EU-Jordan relations are excellent and continue to develop favourably. Jordan is a very important partner for the EU - an advanced and privileged partner. We remain a strong supporter of Jordan’s political reforms that are aimed to reinforce democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights.

Second: We recognize and appreciate Jordan’s constructive and balanced position in promoting stability in the region. Nowadays we both face the same dangerous enemy: extremism and fundamentalism. We acknowledge Jordanian support to efforts to stem the flow of foreign fighters and terrorist financing. And we had a very interesting debate with the Foreign Minister N. Judeh about Jordan's extremely important role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Third and most importantly: The EU fully recognises the vital role Jordan plays in providing support and hospitality to the Syrian refugees, which comes in addition to the support and solidarity shown with the Palestinian refugees. We are aware of the challenges the Syrian crisis presents for Jordan and we try to help: Since the start of the crisis the EU has more than doubled its level of financial support to Jordan to cope with the situation. I will visit one of the projects we are supporting - Al Hussein Secondary school for Girls (in Jabal All Hussein) to underline our engagement and continued determination to help Jordan, its people, host communities and of course the Syrian refugees in the country.

We recognise the special role of Jordan, we recognise that the Jordanian people pay the toll for it and we are committed to support you and to strengthen this support.

This is my last visit to Jordan in my current capacity and I am happy to be here to say how much I appreciate working with all the stakeholders and strengthen that advanced partnership we have with concrete deeds."

Contacts :

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Anca Paduraru (+32 2 296 64 30)

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