Jordan-EU Relations

Relations between Jordan and the European Union have evolved over the years into a solid partnership built on shared and common values. Jordan will continue to work for further enhancement and consolidation of this partnership. The EU has consistently supported Jordan´s moderate and stabilizing role in the region. Jordan appreciates the EU´s longstanding commitment and its continued support at all levels.

EU–Jordan Association Agreement

The EU–Jordan Association Agreement, which is the legal basis of the EU–Jordan relationship, entered into force in 2002 with the goal of integrating Jordan into European economic and social structures. The objective of the Association Agreement was to foster the establishment of bilateral free trade between Jordan and the European Union, which was seen as the first step towards creating a wider regional Euro–Mediterranean free trade area. The agreement aims to create a free trade area between the EU and Jordan over 12 years and to help increase economic growth and business. The EU–Jordan Association Agreement sets out in more detail the specific areas in which relations can be developed bilaterally.

Jordan and the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)

In 2004, the European Union unveiled its European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), in which Jordan was invited to enter into strong political, security, economic and cultural relations with the EU, and share responsibility in conflict prevention and resolution. Jordan is an active and constructive partner country within the ENP, showing a strong commitment to a wide range of social and economic reforms and taking steps towards political reform.

EU–Jordan ENP Action Plan

The EU–Jordan ENP Action Plan sets the political framework for the dialogue between Jordan and the EU. The Action Plan was adopted in 2005, for a period of three to five years. It is based on the EU–Jordan Association Agreement and offers an inclusive framework for enhancing relations and promoting stability and security. The Action Plan outlines a set of priorities that support Jordan´s National Agenda and focuses on political dialogue and reform, trade, social issues and assisting Jordan to gradually hold a substantial stake in the EU´s Internal Market.

In 2010, Jordan became the first Mediterranean partner country within the ENP with whom the EU concluded the technical negotiations leading to an "Advanced Status". The "Advanced Status" partnership marked the beginning of a new era in Jordan-EU relations by expanding the areas of cooperation and opening up new opportunities in economic and trade relations between both parties. Jordan and the EU reached an agreement on a new EU–Jordan ENP Action Plan in October of 2010, which gives concrete substance to the "Advanced Status" relationship between Jordan and the EU. This new Action Plan sets the Jordan-EU agenda for the next five years.