The European Union and Jordan have taken a significant step in their bilateral relations by holding their first-ever EU–Jordan Summit, underscoring a deepening partnership
aimed at stability, growth and regional cooperation.
The meeting brought together European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. Leaders reviewed progress made under the EU–Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP), signed one year ago, and outlined priorities for the years ahead, including a high-level EU–Jordan Investment Conference planned for April 2026.
The Summit reaffirmed the EU’s view of Jordan as a key strategic partner in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, particularly in promoting regional stability, economic resilience and cooperation on shared challenges.
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.”
One year of concrete results
Over its first year, the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership has delivered tangible outcomes across five core pillars: political relations and regional cooperation; security and defence; economic resilience, trade and investment; human capital, including education and skills; and migration, protection and support for refugees.
Politically, leaders have intensified coordination on regional issues, reinforcing dialogue and joint efforts to support stability across the region. Cooperation on security and defence has also advanced, notably through new EU support under the European Peace Facility and progress on integrated border management.
Economically, the EU has continued to back Jordan’s reform agenda and efforts to strengthen resilience. In September 2025, the EU rolled out a €500 million Macro-Financial Assistance programme. A second programme, also worth €500 million, is set to be adopted in 2026. This additional support will combine budget assistance with accelerated investment mobilisation, targeting key sectors such as the green transition, water, energy and digital connectivity.
Investing in people and resilience
The partnership has also expanded people-to-people cooperation through education, skills development, research and youth mobility initiatives, including the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). At the same time, the EU has sustained strong support for Jordan’s role as a major host country for refugees, helping ensure access to services, livelihoods and protection.
Cooperation is expected to deepen further under the Pact for the Mediterranean and its first Action Plan, scheduled for March 2026.
What comes next
From 2026, the partnership will enter an intensified delivery phase. Key milestones include the EU–Jordan Investment Conference in April 2026, the launch of the first EU–Jordan Security and Defence Dialogue, and enhanced discussions on human rights.
Early 2026 is also expected to see the signature of the first Multi-Sector Budget Support programme, designed to unlock reforms that improve competitiveness, boost employment and strengthen Jordan’s business environment.
Trade and investment ties are set to be reinforced through the signing of several flagship infrastructure and connectivity projects at the 2026 Investment Conference. Among them is the Water Desalination Aqaba–Amman National Conveyance, a project of strategic importance for Jordan’s water security.
A long-term partnership
Jordan remains a cornerstone of regional stability and a key partner for Europe in the Middle East. The Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, signed in Brussels on 29 January 2025, reflects the EU’s long-term commitment to Jordan’s stability, reform path and socio-economic resilience.
The partnership is backed by a €3 billion EU financial and investment package for 2025–2027, including €640 million in grants, around €1.4 billion in additional investments and €1 billion in concessional loans through macro-financial assistance — laying the foundation for a shared future of cooperation between the EU and Jordan. Photo by Patrik Neckman from Stockholm, Sweden, Wikimedia commons.