EU stands by Jordan — ambassador

AMMAN — A strong partnership between Jordan and the EU "has never been more important than now", the union's ambassador to Jordan, Andrea Matteo Fontana, said on Wednesday.

"The relationship between Jordan and the EU is a very good example of the importance of the European Neighbourhood Policy [ENP]. The ENP provides the framework for the EU and its member states' support to Jordan's constructive and stabilising role in this troubled region," an EU statement quoted Fontana as saying.

The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled the main lines of the ENP review, spelling out the EU's renewed approach to its eastern and southern neighbours, according to the statement. 

Fontana said the ENP "gives us the umbrella under which we can support the Kingdom's continued political and economic reform process". 

Jordan, he added, is "at the forefront" of the fight against terrorism and has shown "enormous solidarity" in hosting Syrian refugees. 

"The EU stands by Jordan and remains deeply committed to support the people and government of Jordan in overcoming the challenges," the ambassador added.

The ENP review followed broad consultations with member states, partner countries, international organisations, social partners, civil society and academia.

"A stronger partnership with our neighbours is key for the European Union, while we face many challenges within our borders and beyond," the statement quoted EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini as saying.

"The terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, but also recent attacks in Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and Iraq, show once more that we are confronted with threats that are global and have to be tackled by the international community united," she noted. 

"We have to build together a safer environment, try to solve the many crises of our common region, support the development and the growth of the poorest areas, and address the root causes of migration. This is precisely the purpose of the current review of the ENP which will promote our common values and interests, and will also engage partners in increased cooperation in security matters," the diplomat said. 

"The measures set out today seek to find ways to strengthen together the resilience of our and our partners' societies, and our ability to effectively work together on our common purposes." 

The ENP will take stabilisation as its main political priority in this mandate, the statement said.

The new ENP will mobilise efforts to support inclusive economic and social development; creating job opportunities for youth will be among key measures of economic stabilisation, it added. 

There will be a new focus on stepping up work with partner countries in the security sector, mainly in the areas of conflict prevention, counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation policies, according to the EU. 

Safe and legal mobility on the one hand and tackling irregular migration, human trafficking and smuggling on the other are further priorities. `

Finally, greater attention will be paid to working with partners on energy security and climate action.

“The new ENP will seek to deploy the available financial resources in a more flexible manner, so that the EU can react more swiftly to new challenges in the neighbourhood. Stronger engagement with civil society, social partners and with youth is foreseen,” the statement said.

“In the coming months, the proposals unveiled today in the joint communication will be discussed with member states and partner countries, with a view to jointly determine new priorities and the shape of future relations.”