Khaberni - European Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs Dubravka Šuica confirmed that Jordan is a pivotal partner for the European Union in the region, praising its central role in hosting Palestinian and Syrian refugees, and its substantial efforts in bearing the humanitarian burdens associated with them.
She added on the sidelines of the tenth regional forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, held in Barcelona, that the first partnership agreement she signed since assuming her position as European Commissioner for the Mediterranean was the comprehensive agreement between Jordan and the European Union, according to the Kingdom.
She added that the signing took place in the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, in a step she considered "an important development that reflects the mutual trust and strategic connection between the two sides."
She announced that the meetings of the European–Jordanian Partnership Council would soon be held as a continuation of the path to enhance cooperation.
Speaking of joint projects, Šuica highlighted the European Union's ongoing support for the "Amman - Aqaba" water transfer and desalination project, confirming the presence of other forthcoming projects to enhance economic and developmental partnership.
Regarding how the "Mediterranean Charter" achieves the balance between human development, the green economy, digital transformation, and security requirements across the Mediterranean, the European Commissioner emphasized that the success of the environmental transformation requires carbon removal across the region, warning that any progress in the north would not be sufficient if it does not include the south, "as the sea and air would be exposed to pollution."
She explained that the ultimate goal is "carbon removal in the region, cheaper energy production, creating new job opportunities for youth, and transferring this energy to Europe", considering this model to be a "win-win equation" for all parties. She said that these efforts would open up broad prospects for Jordanian youth, whether in green jobs or in the tech sectors.
Šuica emphasized that economic transformation requires investing in education and skills, mentioning her support for establishing a Mediterranean university and new educational programs that prepare youth for digital and green jobs. She said: "Jobs of the past are no longer sufficient. We need to re-skill and enhance people's competencies," explaining that the problem is not in the level of education, but that technological development is much faster than the educational systems' ability to adapt, which calls for a "joint response that puts education at the forefront of priorities."
The European Commissioner concluded her talk by reaffirming the European Union's commitment to continuing to support Jordan in its development paths, economic transformation, and enhancing regional stability.
