Ambassador Chatzisavas detailed the significant progress in EU-Jordan relations following King Abdullah II’s visit to Brussels, where he engaged with top EU officials. “Our conversation takes place in the wake of His Majesty’s visit to Brussels, where he had very important conversations with EU leaders… where he managed to make an extra mile in our bilateral relations between the EU and Jordan,” the ambassador stated, emphasizing the King’s role in strengthening the partnership.
The core of the partnership revolves around a €3 billion investment package. The ambassador explained, “The EU and Jordan have extremely close relations based on a common world vision and a shared commitment to international law and the UN Charter…and our Association Agreement… is the framework.” The new Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, he emphasized, goes beyond mere economic cooperation. It encompasses political dialogue, security and defense cooperation, trade and investment, human development and the sustained EU response to the refugee crises in the Middle East and their impact on Jordan.
The crucial role of Jordan and the Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem in the broader context of the Palestine issue also featured prominently. The ambassador emphasized the EU’s strong stance against any infringement on the status quo in Jerusalem, stating, “any infringement on the status quo is something that we cannot accept. It involves access… to the holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa compound… For us, the custodianship and the special role played by the Hashemites in Jerusalem is critical. It’s an integral part of the status quo, and we will continue to fight for the preservation of these very delicate and critical sites for all religions.” This underscores the EU’s recognition of Jordan’s pivotal role in maintaining stability and peace in the region, and specifically Jerusalem’s importance. The EU’s support, therefore, extends to preserving the historic role of the Hashemite Kingdom in safeguarding the holy sites and promoting regional peace.
A major focus is on bolstering Jordan’s economic growth. While acknowledging the existing strong trade ties (“the EU is the second trade partner of Jordan”), the ambassador identified an imbalance and the trade balance: “Jordan will import more than six billion euros in terms from the EU… but the level of export from Jordan to the EU is not yet satisfactory.” The agreement aims to address this by supporting Jordanian businesses in accessing the vast European market and attracting European investment.
The ambassador highlighted the need for Jordanian businesses to adapt to the EU’s competitive market and standards, noting the significant size of the EU’s consumer base as a potential strength to be harnessed.
The ambassador stressed the importance of education and human development in the partnership. He noted that ” the EU has been a partner of Jordan when it comes to quality education, access to primary and secondary education as well as universities, making full use of the ERASMUS program and other scholarships, as well as the promotion of vocational training.” This commitment extends to supporting vulnerable populations, including Syrian refugees.
The interview also touched upon Jordan’s unique tourism potential and its skilled workforce, which could help address the EU’s projected labor shortage. The ambassador declared, “The biggest asset of Jordan is not its natural wealth, it’s its brains, its youth. It is the level of education that is remarkable…and this is why Jordan is exporting so many skilled laborers to the Gulf but also to the EU.”
Perhaps most significant was the discussion about the EU’s unwavering support for Jordan’s modernization plan. Ambassador Chatzisavas asserted, “We are fully behind this modernization plan across the board…we are also economically behind the modernization plan across its various fronts.”
