Brussels: European Union Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, announced that the EU, in collaboration with its member states, has allocated over £1.5 billion for a national initiative to desalinate and transport water from Aqaba to Amman and other regions. She described this as a testament to the EU-Jordan partnership's strength and its ability to achieve concrete outcomes.
According to Jordan News Agency, Suica made these remarks during a press conference following a high-level EU-Jordan dialogue hosted by the European Commission in Brussels. The event was attended by Jordan's ambassador to Brussels, Yousef Bataineh. Suica emphasized the importance of strengthening the EU's relationship with Jordan, which is a priority for her current mandate.
She highlighted the previous year's signing of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between the EU and Jordan, a first in the Middle East. She also noted that the recent EU-Jordan summit in Amman marked a significant step in bilateral relations. Current discussions focus on converting political commitments into real investments, involving decision-makers, private sector representatives from both sides, and international partners.
Suica described Jordan as a reliable and strategic partner for the EU, especially in the face of regional economic and geopolitical challenges. She emphasized that forming stable partnerships with countries like Jordan is a critical strategic decision.
EU-Jordan cooperation aims for practical outcomes by stimulating investment, supporting reform initiatives, and creating joint economic opportunities. The EU is seeking to mobilize £1.4 billion in new investments through European financing instruments. Last week, the EU approved an additional £500 million in total aid for Jordan.
The commissioner explained that the EU employs a financing strategy that combines grants, guarantees, and funding from European and international institutions, making projects more attractive and encouraging private sector investment.
Suica highlighted three key projects: the Aqaba-Amman water desalination and transport project, which enhances water security and climate adaptation; the Aqaba Digital Center; and the extension of the submarine cable in Aqaba, both bolstering Jordan's status as a regional hub for connectivity and digital infrastructure.
She also mentioned a series of projects under development in energy, transport, logistics, regional connectivity, pharmaceuticals, and critical raw materials. European companies are showing interest in these opportunities and are ready to collaborate with Jordanian private sector entities.
Suica added that the outcomes of the Brussels dialogue will help determine priorities for the EU-Jordan Investment Conference scheduled for April 21. There is ongoing outreach to European capitals to attract further investment.
She concluded by affirming the EU's commitment to deepening its partnership with Jordan, mobilizing private investment, and turning shared visions into tangible achievements. Suica stressed that Jordan offers a stable and competitive investment environment amid rapid global changes.
Bataineh, on his part, encouraged European companies to invest in Jordan through the EU's £1.4 billion investment support portfolio.