European parliament okays €180m in aid to Jordan

Jordan is a leading strategic partner for Europe as the Kingdom is a pivotal player and a key interlocutor for the European Union in the Middle East, European Union ambassador to Jordan Juanna Veronica said on Tuesday. Veronica told a press conference held at the EU mission in Amman that the bloc and Jordan shared a dynamic and comprehensive relationship that developed at the bilateral and regional levels, noting that the bloc backed the Kingdom’s moderate role that contributed towards achieving regional stability and paved the way for further integration and political and economic liberalization. She also stressed the need for coordination and cooperation among all the donors to foster the concept of humanitarian and developmental aid and provide the necessary funding for such assistance as the basis for progress. Veronica said the European Parliament had endorsed a €180 million aid package to Jordan in micro aid over two years to support macroeconomics, and the pledged assistance is waiting for final passage. She said the EU had, as part of the 2011-2013 Framework Program, allocated €223 million in aid to Jordan, adding that the bloc had provided an additional €91 million during 2012-2013 to carry out key macroeconomic reforms through the Partnership, Reform and Inclusive Growth (Spring) program, which focuses on a limited number of priorities with emphasis on good governance and economic growth, particularly supporting small and medium enterprises and vocational training. Bilateral grants provided by the EU to Jordan between 2011-2013 amounted to over €330 million in total, Veronica said, adding that the country had benefited from the Euro Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, mainly in priority growth areas, curbing poverty and unemployment, trade, security, youth and women empowerment, good governance and human rights.