EU/Jordan Framework Agreement: participation of Jordan in Union programmes. Protocol to the EC/Jordan Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement

The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Jordan, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and Jordan on the general principles for the participation of Jordan in Union programmes.

Whilst giving its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement, Parliament stressed the importance of continuing to promote close cooperation and dialogue with Jordan within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and of furthering political and economic dialogue between the Union and Jordan. It recalled that, according to estimates by the Jordanian authorities, more than 500 000 refugees from Syria have sought refuge in Jordan and that the Syrian crisis is having a severe impact on Jordan’s economy and on Jordan’s budget on account of the financial resources required to provide humanitarian assistance to the refugees. It regretted, however, that the Jordanian border has been closed to Palestinian refugees from Syria since August 2012.

It stressed, therefore, the importance of providing adequate financial, technical and humanitarian support to Jordan.

In parallel, Parliament greatly appreciated the commitment shown by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan in promoting a very wide-ranging process of reforms for the benefit of the country. It also supported the proactive and constructive role of Jordan, as a mediator, in the efforts aimed at finding lasting solutions to various conflicts in the Middle East.