Brussels, 23/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Union and its partners will provide additional financial assistance of €3 billion to Jordan over the next three years. On Wednesday 22 February, the EU high representative for foreign affairs announced at the end of the first EU-Jordan taskforce meeting that this assistance would be used to “support political reforms, economic growth and change”.
Two agreements worth €20 million were signed to support small and medium-sized enterprises and support research and technological development and innovation. Aid to Jordan from the European budget for 2011-2013 was also increased by €70 million and now stands at €293 million. The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced that loans granted to Jordan could be in the range of €400 million over the next two years, double the current volume. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will begin its operations in the country and intends to step up its activities, with an increase of €300 million a year.
In addition to this assistance, there is also the World Bank's strategic partnership with Jordan, with support of almost €460 million for the government and the minimum of €250 million for Jordanian enterprise over the course of the next three years.
A deeper partnership. Catherine Ashton also announced that the EU and Jordan would be beginning discussions in the next few weeks with a view to introducing a far reaching and comprehensive free trade agreement. A forum bringing together European and Jordanian entrepreneurs will be set up to develop economic and trade relations.
Dialogue on immigration, mobility and security will also be developed in view of signing a Mobility Partnership. The taskforce explained that a mission headed by DG HOME would visit Jordan over the next few weeks to hold exploratory talks. The taskforce also called on member states and Jordan to simplify the conditions and procedures for granting visas.
The taskforce was delighted by the finalisation of the memorandum for an association agreement, which will enable Jordan to participate in EU programmes. This will be another important step towards greater bilateral cooperation. The taskforce said that it wanted the dialogue on Jordan's participation in the work agencies and Community programmes to continue. (CG/transl.fl)