Brussels, 14/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 13 October, the European Union and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding on their bilateral cooperation for the 2014-2017 period. This includes an indicative financial allocation of between €312 million and €382 million, depending on the progress made by Jordan in moving forward with its political and economic reforms. The European aid will focus on three priority sectors - the rule of law for enhanced accountability and equity in public service delivery; employment and private sector development; and renewable energy and energy efficiency. The funding was announced by the European Commission on 8 September (see EUROPE 11150). Further financial support will also be possible based on the “more for more” principle and concerning aid for Syrian refugees, the Commission stated in a press release.
In order to formalise the memorandum of understanding, the Europeans and Jordanians signed two other financing agreements. The first, for €47.5 million, focuses on support for the management of Jordan's public finances and on reforms to its public administration. The second focuses on strengthening its administrative capacities, with an allocation of €12 million.
During his visit to Jordan, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle visited the Al Hussein secondary school for girls - one of 98 state schools in Jordan that provides education for the children of Syrian refugees and is supported by the EU and Unicef. The school has over 1,000 pupils, including nearly 500 Syrian children. The European Union has provided around €100 million for education in Jordan since 2012.
Füle also met Jordan's Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Judeh, and Education Minister Mohammad Al Thneibat. (CG)