17/12/2019 (Agence Europe) – The European Parliament voted for continuity by a large majority (654 votes in favour, 28 against and 11 abstentions) on Tuesday 17 December in Strasbourg, to approve a loan of €500 million to support the Jordanian economy. By validating this third part of EU macro-financial assistance for this small democracy in the Mashreq, MEPs confirm their support for the Amman regime, which is facing the fallout from the Syrian conflict and hosting 1.3 million Syrian refugees on its territory (see EUROPE 12281/10). MEPs also acknowledged the country's progress on human rights and its efforts to provide refugees with jobs and medical care. This long-term, low-interest loan can be disbursed as soon as the EU Council has given the green light, which should happen as early as 19 December. (HD)