Amman: The Economic and Social Council (ESC) on Tuesday participated in a regional virtual seminar focused on the European Union's new Pact for the Mediterranean, designed to enhance cooperation between the EU and Southern Mediterranean nations.
According to Jordan News Agency, the seminar was organized by the Union of Arab Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (UAESCSI) and convened regional leaders to explore avenues for economic growth, social development, and stability. ESC President Musa Shteiwi highlighted the pact as a "key opportunity" to enhance Jordan's partnership with the EU. He encouraged European partners to align funding mechanisms, such as grants, concessional loans, and blended finance, with Southern Mediterranean priorities, including job creation, green energy, water security, digital infrastructure, and vocational training.
ESC Secretary-General Nazir Awamleh emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue and policy-sharing between Southern Mediterranean institutions and the EU to address shared economic and social challenges. Earlier in 2026, Amman hosted preliminary consultations on the pact, concentrating on three core pillars: human capital and innovation, sustainable economic growth, and regional security and migration management.
The new pact updates the framework for EU-Mediterranean relations, building on the 30-year-old Barcelona Process.