Brussels, 26/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - Stefan Füle, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy, and Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Ibrahim Saif signed three new funding agreements on 25 November amounting to a total of €45 million. The funds will help Jordan support civil society and the media and its efforts for reforming the justice and security sectors, areas in which Amman already receives European aid.
The first €30 million agreement to support the justice sector is to enhance the rule of law, judicial independence and the development of an efficient, transparent and integrated justice sector that is in line with democratic principles, good governance and human rights. Amounting to €10 million, the second agreement is to support civil society and the media and aims to strengthen democracy in Jordan through increased participation of citizens in political life and through building capacity for an independent, quality-based media sector. Finally, the third agreement, for €5 million, covers support to the security sector aimed at reinforced application of the principles of the rule of law in the security sector that is based on “accountability and transparency, respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
The aid will form part of the Annual Action Programme 2012, as already announced. (CG/transl./jl)