EU's multi-annual indicative program for Jordan nearly finalized

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) – The 13th Association Council meeting between the EU and Jordan took place on Thursday at the shores of Dead Sea in Petra, where the EU informed Jordan that the multi-annual indicative program is nearly finalized.

A joint statement confirmed the strong and lasting partnership between the two parties, including the decade-long co-presidency of the Union for the Mediterranean.

"The Multi-Annual Indicative Program 2021-2027 is nearly finalized and expected to be adopted in Summer 2022," according to the statement.

It further said: "A first tranche of €364 million ($391 million) will be made available to support Jordan's reforms in three priority areas, in line with the Partnership Priorities: green transition and a resilient economy, human development, and good governance."

The EU also pledged to support Jordan in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency and management of water resources.

"In this vein, the EU will support key flagship projects of the Economic and Investment Plan, such as the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance (AAWDC), which will benefit from a first EU contribution of €50 million," said the statement, noting the EU's readiness to "support the upgrade of the King Hussein/Allenby bridge."

At the meeting, the EU and Jordan also confirmed their "commitment to further deepen dialogue on issues of mutual interest, including security, counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism, border management, job creation, innovation, green transition, employability and mobility."

Both parties have voiced concerns over the "potential impact of the conflict on increased food insecurity globally, as well as on global supply chains and energy and commodity price hikes."

The EU showed "its solidarity with Jordan via its initiative for a regional 'Food and Resilience Facility' worth €225 million to address short and medium term needs in the Southern Neighbourhood, with an allocation of €25 million for Jordan," the statement said.