Amman, Jan. 26 (Petra) - European Union Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, said the EU, in cooperation with its member states, has provided funding exceeding €1.5 billion for the national project to desalinate and transport water from Aqaba to Amman and other governorates, describing it as a practical example of the depth of the EU-Jordan partnership and its capacity to deliver tangible results.

Suica made the remarks at a press conference on Monday following a high-level EU-Jordan dialogue hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, attended by Jordan’s ambassador to Brussels, Yousef Bataineh. She stressed that strengthening the EU’s relationship with Jordan is a priority for her current mandate.

She highlighted the signing of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between the EU and Jordan last year, the first of its kind in the Middle East, and noted that the first EU-Jordan summit held in Amman earlier this month marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. Current discussions aim to translate political commitments into real investments by involving decision-makers, private sector representatives from both sides, and international partners.

Suica described Jordan as a reliable and strategic partner for the EU, particularly amid the economic and geopolitical challenges in the region, emphasizing that building stable partnerships with countries like Jordan is an indispensable strategic choice.

She said EU-Jordan cooperation focuses on achieving practical outcomes through stimulating investment, supporting reform initiatives, and providing joint economic opportunities, while seeking to mobilize new investments of €1.4 billion through European financing instruments. She noted that the EU continued its financial support for Jordan, approving an additional €500 million in total aid last week.

The commissioner explained that the EU uses a financing approach that integrates grants, guarantees, and funding from European and international institutions, enhancing project attractiveness and encouraging private sector investment.

Suica highlighted three key projects: the Aqaba-Amman water desalination and transport project, which strengthens water security and climate adaptation; the Aqaba Digital Center; and the extension of the submarine cable in Aqaba, both reinforcing Jordan’s position as a regional hub for connectivity and digital infrastructure.

She also noted a package of projects under development in energy, transport, logistics, regional connectivity, pharmaceuticals, and critical raw materials, emphasizing European companies’ interest in these opportunities and their readiness to partner with Jordanian private sector entities.

Suica added that the outcomes of the Brussels dialogue will help determine priorities for the EU-Jordan Investment Conference scheduled for April 21, alongside ongoing outreach to European capitals to attract further investment.

She concluded by affirming that the EU remains committed to deepening its partnership with Jordan, mobilizing private investment, and translating shared visions into tangible achievements, stressing that Jordan offers a stable and competitive investment environment amid rapid global changes.

Bataineh, for his part, called on European companies to invest in Jordan through the EU’s €1.4 billion investment support portfolio.

//Petra// AF