The EU and Jordan cooperation is based on the 2002 Association Agreement  and the recently adopted EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities for the period 2021-2027, within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Cooperation under the Partnership Priorities is structured around three mutually reinforcing objectives: i) Strengthening cooperation on regional stability, security including counter-terrorism; ii) promoting sustainable economic stability, a green, digital, inclusive and knowledge-based growth, quality of education and decent job creation; and iii) strengthening good governance, the rule of law, democratic reform and respect for human rights. Cooperation is also being pursued on cross-cutting issues such as migration and mobility as well as economic, social and political inclusion of vulnerable groups, including youth and women.

Cooperation are sustained through regular high-level political dialogue on priority areas, among which are economic reform, social protection, education, human rights, rule of law, green growth, and sustainable management of water resources.  

The Partnership Priorities 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 the basic services provided to them. 

Human rights and democracy are core values of the European Union, which we strive to protect and promote both internally and in our external relations. In Jordan, the European Union supports human rights through dialogue, advocacy and programmes focusing on fundamental freedoms (freedom of opinion, of expression, of assembly, of association, etc.), civic space, the rule of law, women’s rights, rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of the child. Beyond the dedicated activities, human rights are also incorporated in all EU policies and programmes under the Global Europe instrument.

The European Union supports Jordan’s political modernisation agenda, in particular through the EU Support to Democratic Reform programme aiming to enhance citizen engagement in public life and increased political participation especially by women and youth. The EU recognises civil society organisations as vital actors in promoting and protecting human rights and contributing to civic life. Therefore, the EU regularly launches calls for proposals to assist NGOs in Jordan under its Human Rights and Democracy Programme.

The European Union prioritises gender equality and advocates for the freedom and empowerment of all individuals. Women and girls play a crucial role in development, and achieving gender equality is essential for inclusive and prosperous societies.

The EU continues to support Jordan’s efforts to implement its National Strategy for women (2020-2025) that aims to advance women’s political, civil, economic and social rights, notably via its programme EU support to democratic reform. In 2022, the EU’s continued engagement with the Jordanian government contributed to the adoption of the Engendered Strategy for Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision, aiming to increase female participation in the labour market and economic activities. To support Jordan’s efforts, the EU is engaged in a number of projects that promote the social and economic rights of women in Jordan.

The EU funds projects such as the Towards Stronger Economic Participation of Women in Jordan, providing skills training and job opportunities to Jordanian and Syrian women in Jordan. Additionally, in 2023 the EU signed an agreement to allocate €10 million to support women and young people’s political participation in upcoming elections at local and national levels.

The EU is dedicated to promoting peace and strengthening international security. The EU recognises Jordan as an indispensable and constructive partner in addressing security concerns and countering terrorism and violent extremism.

The EU works together with partners in the MENA region to help authorities prevent and disrupt terrorist networks. Through projects like CT JUST and CT INFLOW, the EU promotes the exchange of information and development of criminal justice systems that can operate regionally and internationally, including in Jordan.

The EU also supports Jordan’s efforts to fight organised crime and strengthen its borders against illicit trafficking. In their fight against organised crime, the EU is supporting Jordanian authorities through programmes like EuroMed Justice, Police TAIEX, and CyberSouth, which aim to promote cooperation and the exchange of information between national and international agencies. Through the EU-funded Integrated Border Management (IBM) programme, Jordan’s capacity to control and manage its borders through a rights-based approach is enhanced, ensuring greater security for citizens and visitors. In addition, the EU is funding equipment and material, such as medical supplies, for the border units of the Jordanian Armed Forces in order to protect civilians in crises and emergencies through the European Peace Facility (EPF).

Climate change and environmental degradation are existential threats globally. The EU, guided by the European Green Deal, is supporting Jordan's transition to a green economy, focusing on energy efficiency, green innovation, and job creation. The first €40 million support for Jordan's Green Economy, endorsed in 2021, aligns with the EU Green Deal.

Waste management is a key concern, with Jordan generating around 1 kg/person/day of waste, projected to double within a decade. The EU supports Jordan's National Solid Waste Management Strategy, promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, creating green jobs and fostering citizen participation.

Water scarcity in Jordan is exacerbated by the influx of Syrian refugees and climate change. The EU supports both water supply and wastewater treatment, pledging over €500 million towards the Amman Aqaba Water Desalination and Conveyance Project.

Since 2009, the EU has aided Jordan's energy reform strategy, focusing on green energy. It has provided €90 million support to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme in Jordan (REEE II), which helps achieve their green energy transition and diversify sources. The total contribution to the sector exceeds €160 million, promoting green energy interconnections, the energy-water-food nexus, and green economy solutions.

Jordan is facing demographic challenges, including population growth, aging population, unplanned urban expansion, and uneven population distribution across its governorates. The influx of Syrian refugees, mainly in northern governorates, significantly strains the health system. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers, represent 76% of mortality, with risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity being prevalent. Mental health disorders are also rising, especially among Syrian refugees.

In collaboration with WHO, the EU is executing the €43 Million “EUTF Jordan Health Programme for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians” until 2024. The initiative seeks to enhance the Primary Health Care system in Jordan through the procurement of essential medical equipment, extending quality immunisation services for refugees and vulnerable locals, and fostering capacity development in the health sector, aligning with the Ministry of Health Strategic Plan for 2023-2025. The program is important in supporting Jordan towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The 2022 EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities focus on economic stability, governance, and alignment with Jordan’s national strategies. The EU provides Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) to support Jordan against economic shocks, including Syria's conflict impact and Syrian refugee influx. A third MFA program of EUR 500 million was adopted in 2020, with an additional EUR 200 million for pandemic mitigation.

Through Budget Support, complementary Technical Assistance programmes and Twinning programmes, the EU is supporting the Government of Jordan to improve its performance and enhance its accountability in the field of Public Financial Management. Additionally, the EU is supporting the Jordanian Public Administration in enhancing its transparency, accountability and performance for the benefit of Jordanian citizens, so they can enjoy effective public services.  

In Private Sector Development, the EU prioritizes Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), investing over €200 million in 1,300 companies over a decade. A new project “Innovation for enterprise Growth and Jobs” was initiated in 2020 to encourage private sector innovation through partnerships.

Financial inclusion for citizens, especially women in rural areas, is promoted, with the EU assisting in the implementation of the Financial Inclusion National Strategy. The EU-Jordan Association Agreement facilitates a Free Trade Agreement between Jordan and the EU, with the EU being Jordan’s second-largest trade partner in 2021.

The European Union supports Jordan in enhancing its justice sector's effectiveness, transparency, and accessibility. In December 2022, a €39 million agreement was signed for further assistance. This Rule of Law program works with the Jordanian Government and the Public Security Directorate, focusing on strengthening judicial independence, enhancing efficiency in the criminal justice chain, and improving public service delivery. The newly endorsed Justice Sector Strategy (2022-2026) is a vital step in Jordan's modernisation.

Border management is another critical cooperation area. The EU funds two 5-year interventions of €10 million to aid coordination between Jordan's border management services. Implemented by UNODC and ICMPD, these initiatives include establishing Operational Rooms at four border-crossing points and a Training Centre for multi-agency training. Starting in 2019, they also support the drafting of Jordan's first border management strategy and a comprehensive training program.

Continuing its dedicated commitment to Syrian refugees, the EU, like Jordan, supports pursuing peace and stability in Syria. While advocating for the voluntary and safe return of refugees, the EU concurrently ensures sustained aid for Syrians in Jordan, encompassing protection, education, and livelihood provisions. Projects such as the Accelerated Access Initiative and the "EDU-SYRIA / EDU JORDAN programme" are enhancing access to education and vocational training, having already enrolled 3086 students and helped over 1600 students graduate.

The EU supports the “Towards Stronger Economic Participation of Women in Jordan” project, providing skill training and job opportunities for Syrian and Jordanian women. Additionally, the €60 million "Support to Quality Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training" programme is boosting education quality and accessibility. Moreover, through the EU Madad Trust Fund, the EU aids the National Social Protection Strategy, creating sustainable livelihoods for refugees. The health challenges of refugees are addressed by the €43 million "EUTF Jordan Health Programme", improving primary healthcare access and quality for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians until 2024.

The EU supports Jordan's commitment to quality education and technical and vocational training, allocating €60 million to the “Support to the Quality of Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training” programme. This supports the Education Strategic Plan 2018-2025, ensuring access, equity, and quality. Working with Madrasati, the EU enhances school safety and community participation in education.

Additionally, the EU supports Jordan's social protection sector, adhering to national policies like the National Social Protection Strategy (2019-2025). Through programmes like the “EU Support to Social Protection” and the “EU Support to the Social Inclusion & Empowerment of Vulnerable Jordanians”, the EU is improving governance, professionalising social care, and enhancing services for the vulnerable, including health insurance extension for National Aid Fund beneficiaries.

The EU also aids Jordan's De-Institutionalisation Agenda, facilitating the transition of disabled persons to community-based environments, and transitioning beneficiaries of cash assistance to employment. Complementing these efforts, the EU Madad Trust Fund assists Syrian refugees by developing sustainable livelihood models, contributing to a resilient social protection system for all.