Brussels, 20/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The cooperation between the EU and Jordan continued to become wider in 2012, the Commission's progress report on Jordan states. While noting that political instability continued and that the economic outlook deteriorated, in a context of high regional tension (linked to Syria), the Commission states that Amman respected some of the key recommendations of the 2011 report. Although the electoral commission was set up, and the electoral law and the law on political parties was adopted, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of the media were not guaranteed The dialogue with the EU on mobility and migration was launched in 2012, and progress was made in preparing the negotiation for the agreement on industrial products (ACAA). Jordan continued to play its role on the resumption of negotiations in the Middle East.
Amman must continue the reform process and ensure that the laws it has adopted are applied. The creation of an inclusive, participative and open system, the strengthening of the independence and impartiality of judicial power and its administrative capacity, and the fight against corruption are challenges that need to be met. Effort is also needed on the integration of women into political and economic life, and effort is needed in education, employment and the freedom of the press. The continuation of regulatory convergence to support endeavours to increase exports and to prepare for the ACAA, and intensification of efforts for a deep and comprehensive free trade area are also needed. (CG/transl.fl)