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AMMAN — EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas on Thursday said the Jordan–EU Investment Conference, scheduled for November 19, will proceed as planned.
Speaking at a press conference, the ambassador underlined the EU’s growing strategic commitment to Jordan, noting that the bloc remains the largest donor supporting the Kingdom’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Under the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed in January 2025, Jordan receives around 80 million euros annually for refugee-related cooperation, Chatzisavas said, adding that a further 10–15 million euros is allocated for humanitarian assistance, bringing total annual support to nearly 100 million euros.
He expected this level of assistance to continue next year, while noting that post-2028 funding levels remain under discussion due to upcoming changes in the EU’s multiannual financial framework.
The ambassador described Jordan’s implementation of international humanitarian and refugee law as “excellent,” reiterating EU support for the voluntary and facilitated return of Syrian refugees, while stressing that Jordan remains firmly committed to the voluntary nature of returns.
On regional developments, Chatzisavas described the recent visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas to Jordan as highly significant, noting that it enabled her to meet with around 20 Arab foreign ministers.
Regarding the war on Iran, he said the EU, like the Arab Group, was not consulted and cannot endorse it, expressing deep concern over its implications for the region and Europe.
On Lebanon, the ambassador voiced European concern over the country’s absence from certain negotiation tracks concerning its future, as well as the involvement of external actors speaking on its behalf with vested interests in maintaining Hezbollah’s influence.
Regarding Syria, Chatzisavas said Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Shaibani reaffirmed Damascus’ commitment to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while emphasising the importance of inclusivity and broader participation in decision-making institutions.
On the Palestinian issue, he said the EU fully understands Jordan’s concerns over settler attacks in the West Bank, noting that the issue is receiving increased attention within the Union.
Turning to the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC), the ambassador said the initiative remains vital for the EU but is evolving into a flexible network of multiple routes rather than a single fixed line.
He stressed that His Majesty King Abdullah, in meetings with European leaders, has underlined that Jordan must be a beneficiary partner in the project, not merely a transit route, and must secure tangible added value in manufacturing, services, and logistics.
Chatzisavas said water, energy, green hydrogen, railways, telecommunications, digital transport, and airports will be key topics at the November 19 conference, noting that the preparatory forum held on June 15 laid a strong foundation for discussions.
On regional connectivity, he said railway projects linking Jordan with Saudi Arabia and the UAE represent an important contribution to the broader economic corridor, while the Etihad Rail project connecting Aqaba to mining regions is progressing rapidly.
He added that the expansion of free trade agreements with India, Australia, South Korea, and Indonesia further reinforces the need for modern transport and logistics networks.
On democratic development, the ambassador announced that the EU will carry out a follow-up exercise between late November and early December on the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission that monitored Jordan’s 2024 parliamentary elections, aimed at advancing continued bilateral dialogue and institutional cooperation.
