Hasan Dajah

The Jordanian-European Summit held in Amman last month marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between Jordan and the European Union, not only in its political and economic implications but also in its profound strategic messages at a time of unprecedented regional and international turmoil. The summit affirmed that the partnership between the two sides is no longer merely traditional development cooperation, but has risen to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual interests and a shared vision for a more stable and sustainable future.

His Majesty King Abdullah, with his characteristic wisdom and quiet diplomacy, successfully transformed Amman into a platform for advanced dialogue between the two shores of the Mediterranean. His Majesty King Abdullah convened the first Jordan-EU Summit with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in the presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein.

His Majesty King Abdullah noted that this summit represents a significant chapter in the historic partnership between Jordan and the European Union, strengthening relations built on a commitment to working towards regional stability and prosperity.

It was not merely a protocol meeting, but rather an expression of Jordan's standing as a reliable partner with a clear vision on energy, climate, regional security, and economic development. During the summit, His Majesty demonstrated a profound understanding of global transformations, particularly the international race to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote the green transition, emphasizing that Jordan is not a passive recipient of these transformations but an active participant.

The joint statement issued at the conclusion of the summit reflected this shared ambition, stressing the need to accelerate the green transition and enhance cooperation in renewable energy, low-carbon hydrogen, energy efficiency, electricity storage, grid modernization, sustainable transportation, and climate-smart agriculture. In this context, Jordan's membership in the Global Energy Transition Forum reinforces its regional position as a model for a resource-limited country that has successfully worked to increase the contribution of renewable energy to its electricity mix to approximately 30%, a figure that is advanced both regionally and globally. This development cannot be viewed in isolation from the structural challenges facing Jordan, foremost among them water scarcity, high energy costs, and economic pressures. The relationship between energy security and water security in Jordan is intrinsically linked, as the water sector is one of the largest consumers of electricity. Therefore, any progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency directly impacts the sustainability of the water sector, including major strategic projects such as the National Water Carrier Project for desalination and water transport. The European Union has demonstrated clear support for these efforts, whether through concessional financing, technology transfer, or the development of regulatory frameworks.

In this context, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, the EU Ambassador to Amman, played a pivotal role in strengthening trust and understanding, translating high-level political directives into practical cooperation programs and tangible initiatives on the ground. European diplomacy in Jordan did not limit itself to rhetoric of support but engaged in continuous dialogue with government institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations, thus reinforcing the participatory nature of the partnership and giving it a sustainable institutional dimension. One of the summit's most significant outcomes was the agreement to hold the Jordanian-European Investment Conference on April 21st of this year in Amman, under the patronage of His Majesty the King and in the presence of the President of the European Commission.

This conference reflects a qualitative shift from the level of political understandings to the level of economic implementation. The conference aims to attract high-quality European investments in the renewable energy, green hydrogen, green industries, infrastructure, and technology sectors, in addition to enhancing the integration of Jordanian products into European markets, particularly in light of the changes related to carbon cap adjustment mechanisms.

The intensive preparations undertaken by the Jordanian government, through ministerial tours and meetings with European financial institutions and companies, underscore the seriousness of its commitment to transforming the partnership into viable and implementable projects. Furthermore, holding the conference in Amman sends a clear message of confidence in Jordan's investment environment and the Kingdom's ability to serve as a safe and stable gateway for investment in a region plagued by chronic instability.

The achievements of the Amman Summit transcend the economic dimension, laying the foundation for a new phase of political and strategic cooperation. Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, is once again proving itself to be a voice of moderation and rationality in the region, capable of building balanced partnerships with major international powers based on mutual respect and shared interests. In turn, the European Union affirms that it views Jordan as a long-term partner, not merely a recipient of aid.

The conference scheduled for April 21st cannot be viewed as a fleeting protocol event or a routine stop on the bilateral agenda. Rather, it is the natural culmination of a long process of building mutual trust, diligent work, and positive accumulation across various political, economic, and developmental fields between Jordan and the European Union. This conference embodies the partnership's transition from dialogue and consultation to practical implementation and direct investment, sending a clear message that the relationship between the two sides is entering a deeper, more mature, and more strategic phase.

Under the far-sighted vision of His Majesty King Abdullah, coupled with proactive European diplomacy that recognizes Jordan's importance as a pillar of regional stability, and a serious governmental commitment to translating understandings into actionable projects, this partnership appears poised for a new chapter: investing in the future.

This new chapter focuses on transforming shared challenges-from energy and water to climate and employment- into sustainable development opportunities that enhance the competitiveness of the Jordanian economy, serve the interests of both parties, and contribute to stability and prosperity throughout the region.

Hasan Al-Dajah — Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University