EU and Jordan deepen partnership with first-ever Summit

January 8, 2026 by European Union Leave a Comment

Aerial view of a densely populated city landscape in Jordan, showcasing beige buildings with a tall flagpole displaying the Jordanian flag against a clear blue sky. — (Credit: Unsplash)

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today, the EU and Jordan are marking a key milestone in their long-standing relationship with a first-ever bilateral Summit. The EU was represented by President von der Leyen and President Costa, and Jordan by His Majesty King Abdullah II.

The leaders took stock of the implementation of the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP) signed one year ago and set priorities for the future, including a high-level EU-Jordan Investment Conference scheduled for April 2026. The Summit reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Jordan as a key strategic partner for stability, prosperity and cooperation in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission, said: “The EU–Jordan partnership is stronger than ever. Today’s first EU–Jordan Summit marks the anniversary of our Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership and the concrete milestones we have delivered together since. From deeper political cooperation and strengthened security dialogue to reforms, investments and opportunities for both citizens and businesses. We are turning commitments into action for stability, resilience and shared prosperity.”

Over its first year, the SCP resulted in concrete deliverables across its five pillars: I) political relations and regional cooperation, II) security and defence, III) economic resilience, trade and investment, IV) human capital including education and skills, and V) migration, protection and support to refugees.

The leaders strengthened political ties by deepening discussions and working together to support regional stability. Security and defence cooperation advanced with the new EU support under the European Peace Facility and progress on integrated border management.

On the economic front, the EU supported Jordan’s reform agenda and economic resilience.

In September 2025, the EU adopted and rolled out a Macro-Financial Assistance programme worth €500 million. An additional Macro-Financial Assistance programme will be adopted in 2026, for another €500 million. This programme will include budget support disbursements, and accelerated investment mobilisation, including for the green transition, water, energy and digital connectivity.

The EU and Jordan have also deepened cooperation on people-to-people through education, skills, research and youth mobility programmes, including the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) programme. Furthermore, the EU has sustained its support for Jordan’s exceptional efforts in hosting refugees, ensuring access to services, livelihoods and protection. Cooperation with Jordan will be intensified in the framework of the Pact for the Mediterranean and its upcoming first Action Plan (scheduled for March 2026).

Next steps

In 2026, the Partnership will move into an intensified delivery phase, with key milestones further consolidating cooperation and impact. These include the high-level EU–Jordan Investment Conference (April 2026), and the launch of the first EU–Jordan Security and Defence Dialogue, as well as further dialogue on human rights.

The signature of the first Multi-Sector Budget Support is expected in early 2026 and will unlock key reforms to enhance competitiveness, employment and the business environment in Jordan.

The EU and Jordan will reinforce trade and investments across their borders by signing, at the EU-Jordan Investment Conference of spring 2026, several flagship infrastructure and connectivity projects. This should include the Water Desalination Aqaba-Amman National Conveyance.

Background

Jordan is a key partner for Europe in the Middle East and a cornerstone of regional stability.

The EU and Jordan signed their Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership on 29 January 2025 in Brussels. Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan led the signing ceremony, in the presence of President von der Leyen and King Abdullah.

The Partnership reflects the EU’s long-term commitment to Jordan’s stability, reform agenda and socio-economic resilience and to a shared future of cooperation in the region. It is underpinned by a €3 billion EU financial and investment package for Jordan for the period 2025–2027, comprising €640 million in grants, around €1.4 billion in additional investments, and €1 billion in concessional loans through macro-financial assistance.

For more information

Factsheet

EU-Jordan relations

Joint Statement

Opening remarks by President von der Leyen

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