EU and Jordan Launch First Summit to Bolster Strategic Ties

WISE NEWS PRESS / AMMAN, JORDAN

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa are visiting the Jordanian capital to meet with King Abdullah II for the first-ever EU-Jordan summit.

The high-level meeting aims to strengthen the "strategic partnership" between the two entities, focusing on regional security, trade, and the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the Middle East. President Costa highlighted Jordan's "very important role" as a pillar of stability in a volatile region, emphasizing the alignment between Brussels and Amman on long-term peace efforts.

Focus on Gaza and the Two-State Solution

The Israel-Palestine conflict is expected to dominate the agenda in Amman. James Moran, a senior associate fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), noted that Jordan's role is unique due to its large Palestinian-origin population.

Discussions will likely center on Jordan's potential involvement in a future "International Stability Force" for Gaza. While the Hashemi Kingdom has maintained a cautious stance due to the lack of a permanent ceasefire, its well-organized military is seen as a key component for any viable post-conflict security framework.

Syrian Refugee Returns and Reconstruction

The summit will also address the future of Syrian refugees, of whom millions currently reside in Jordan. With early signs of reconstruction beginning in Syria, the EU is looking to learn from Jordan’s recent experiences, as approximately 200,000 Syrians have reportedly returned home.

The leaders are expected to discuss how to encourage voluntary and safe returns while ensuring the stability of host communities. Jordan's management of this protracted crisis remains a central point of interest for European migration policy.

Economic Resilience and Investment

For the Jordanian economy, which remains under consistent stress, the summit provides a platform to secure continued international backing. The meeting comes one year after the signing of a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, which included a €3 billion financial and investment package.

In addition to the previously allocated €500 million in macro-financial assistance, the leaders are expected to explore new avenues for trade and security cooperation to ensure the Kingdom's economic resilience in the face of global challenges.

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