High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, and Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, signed the Framework Agreement for Jordan's participation in EU crisis management operations on Monday 17 June in Luxembourg.
While the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the 19th non-Member State to sign such an agreement with the EU, it is the first in the Middle East and North Africa region, the High Representative told the press after the 13th EU-Jordan Association Council. "This allows Jordanian personnel to be posted to EU missions and operations, both civilian and military", she said.
The Association Council provided an opportunity to identify areas where the EU and Jordan could strengthen their cooperation. Both sides also confirmed their commitment to further deepen the dialogue on issues of mutual interest "starting with strengthening security, combating terrorism and violent extremism, integrated border management, knowledge-based growth and inclusion, job creation, innovation, employability and the promotion of the rule of law, human rights and democratic governance".
Europeans and Jordanians also agreed on the need for Jordan to pursue its economic reform programme and implement a long-term strategy for political reform. Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy, announced that he would travel to Amman on 25 June with the European and international financial institutions for a joint high-level mission.
The EU welcomed Jordan's compliance with the conditions for the second and final disbursement of its second macro financial assistance (MFA) programme of 200 million euros. According to Mr Hahn, the 100 million euros tranche could be disbursed before the summer break and the EU could consider a third package of assistance measures. Europeans also welcomed the country's efforts to implement and maximise the benefits of the revised origin rules regime and encouraged it to further intensify its efforts.
At the EU Council, regional issues, including the Middle East (see other news) and particularly Syria, were also discussed. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)