Amman, Jan. 12 (Petra) -- The Economic and Social Council on Monday held a consultative dialogue to discuss the new Mediterranean Charter, with the participation of the Union of Arab Economic and Social Councils and similar bodies, as well as the European Economic and Social Committee.
The dialogue addressed the core principles of the Charter, recently announced and adopted by the European Union, which serves as a framework for future action plans and related programs. Discussions focused on the role of the private sector and civil society in strengthening economic cooperation among Mediterranean countries, while presenting an Arab perspective on the Charter and its implications.
Council President Musa Shteiwi said the new Charter represents a strategic vision proposed by the European Union to enhance cooperation between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean, with the aim of building a shared, cohesive, stable, and prosperous region.
He explained that the Charter is based on three interlinked pillars: people, integrated and sustainable economies, and security and migration. Shteiwi said the dialogue brings together the European Economic and Social Committee and the Union of Arab Economic and Social Councils to discuss the Charter and mechanisms for its implementation in the coming phase.
He added that holding the dialogue in Jordan carries particular significance, given the Kingdom’s standing with the European Union and its active role in promoting regional stability, security, and peace. He noted that Jordan is co-chairing the Union for the Mediterranean for the tenth time, underscoring its central role in regional cooperation frameworks.
Shteiwi said the Jordanian-European summit reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union at a critical time marked by rapid regional transformations and intersecting crises. He called on the European Union to view the Levant as an integrated region that enables joint projects and collective solutions, given shared challenges and opportunities.
For his part, European Economic and Social Committee rapporteur Thomas Wagnsonner presented an overview of the new Mediterranean Pact, noting its focus on youth, gender mainstreaming, migration and mobility, investment and finance, entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises, and trade policy. He stressed that civil society is a key partner in innovation and that inclusive governance is essential to achieving social, economic, and democratic impact.
Wagnsonner said that three decades after the Barcelona Process, the need for a renewed partnership has become clear, emphasizing shared responsibility for peace, prosperity, and resilience. He added that the Pact’s principles include shared ownership, innovation, responsibility, respect for human rights, the rule of law, and gender equality.
European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas underscored the importance of strengthening Jordanian-European relations across various sectors, noting that the Jordanian-European summit was held within the framework of longstanding and distinguished relations between Jordan and European Union member states.
He said the European Union is committed to deepening cooperation with Jordan and countries across the region, entering a new phase focused on expanding partnerships. Chatzisavas described the new Mediterranean Charter as a political framework that defines European Union relations with partner countries and sets key priorities and principles.
He added that Jordan is well positioned to benefit from the Charter, particularly in the fields of economic development, entrepreneurship, education and skills, sustainable energy, regional connectivity, digital infrastructure, and trade.
//Petra// AJ
