Ammon News - Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation on Wednesday signed two grant agreements provided by European Union to support implementation of "Sharakah: Partnership" program and back Jordan's democratic reforms worth €25 million.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister of Planning, Zina Toukan, said the grants come within framework of the bilateral aid provided by EU to the Kingdom and the indicative program for 2021-2027.

The minister added that the grants would contribute to supporting the government's development and reform efforts, and are in line with Jordan's economic, administrative and political modernization paths.

The minister noted the first grant is estimated at €15 million to implement Jordanian-European partnership programs "Sharakah," which continued over 20 years.

This grant, she said, came in line with the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) and its executive program for 2023-2025, and Public Sector Modernization Roadmap.

Toukan indicated that the EMV's program features main axes, primarily development of human resources policies, training and capacity building for public sector workers, launch of information technology systems, support and implementation of the digital transformation strategy and digitization of government services, green economy policies and initiatives, and support for efforts and frameworks in integrity and accountability.

With regard to the second grant, Toukan noted the package aims to support Jordan's democratic reform program at a value of €10 million and seeks to strengthen and develop the Kingdom's political life.

This effort is in line with outcomes of Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System (RCMPS), especially with regard to building institutional capacities and constitutional and legislative reforms, Toukan said.

She added that this 2nd grant also serves empowerment of women and youth, to ensure their active engagement in Jordan's political and civil life, and strengthen role of democratic institutions and enable them to exercise their powers.