Amman, Jan. 9 (Petra)-- Rana Al-Namrat - The first Jordan–European Union Summit reflected the advanced level of strategic partnership between the Kingdom and the EU, underscoring Jordan’s pivotal position and vital role in promoting regional security and stability, while expanding horizons for political, economic, and development cooperation.

Experts told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the summit, held at a critical regional moment, highlighted Jordan’s importance as a reliable partner in addressing cross-border challenges, supporting peace efforts, and opening new avenues for investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development.

Security and strategic expert Bashir Al-Dajeh said the Jordan–EU summit came at a sensitive time marked by overlapping regional crises and transnational threats, placing security and defense cooperation at the core of the two sides’ agenda.

He noted that Jordan’s strategic location makes it the first line of confrontation against illegal migration, organized crime, drug and arms smuggling, and cross-border terrorism. Al-Dajeh stressed that the Kingdom has absorbed more than 3.5 million refugees over the past decade without undermining its security infrastructure, according to United Nations and UNIFIL reports.

On the impact of Jordanian–European security cooperation on regional stability, Al-Dajeh said Jordan represents the first line of defense against the spread of armed and extremist groups. Effective control of Jordan’s borders, he added, reduces irregular migration flows to Europe and disrupts drug and arms trafficking networks as well as terrorist cells.

MP Khaled Abu Hassan said Jordan’s foreign policy, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, has consolidated the Kingdom’s influential role at both regional and international levels. He highlighted the King’s central role in addressing regional issues, foremost the Palestinian cause, through firm and clear positions supporting the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.

Abu Hassan added that the summit reaffirmed Jordan’s solid political standing as a key regional actor with significant weight in shaping Middle East political balances and paving the way toward a just and comprehensive peace.

He stressed that achieving peace in the region has become closely linked to Jordan’s active role, given the Kingdom’s credibility and strong international presence. Jordan, he said, continues to place regional issues especially the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution at the center of international discussions, based on a realistic, balanced, and implementable vision.

Abu Hassan noted that holding the summit at this precise time reflects the resilience of the Jordanian state and its ability to manage multiple challenges, particularly after years of accumulated crises. This, he said, has strengthened Jordan’s standing in international forums and reaffirmed its pivotal regional role.

He also pointed out that the summit’s final statement placed clear emphasis on the economic dimension, announcing the convening of a Jordan–EU Economic Conference next April, reflecting international appreciation for Jordan’s political and economic role.
Economist Mufleh Aql said the high-level Jordan–EU summit demonstrates the shared desire to develop and broaden the partnership to include politics, trade, security, and renewable energy.

He explained that Jordan stands to benefit from exporting to this massive economic bloc, as well as from technology and knowledge transfer and access to European markets, supporting the national economy and attracting major investments particularly in financing large-scale projects such as water, transport, energy, and gas.

Aql noted that Jordan possesses highly qualified human capital that the EU can benefit from, especially amid shortages of skilled technical labor in Europe. This could open job opportunities for Jordanian youth and strengthen bilateral cooperation, he said, adding that European experience in managing Jordanian labor could further support this collaboration.

He added that Jordan–EU meetings enhance cooperation and the exchange of ideas, contributing to regional peace and the peaceful resolution of challenges.

He praised the EU’s support for Jordan’s positions on regional issues, including the Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem, regional stability, and challenges related to energy and migration.

Aql highlighted that the European Union is the world’s second-largest economy, with a GDP of around $20 trillion and a market of approximately 450 million people. Its technical and economic capabilities and broad expertise, he said, provide Jordan with significant opportunities to benefit from this vast market in both exports and imports.

He concluded by noting that Jordan benefits from EU grants and concessional loans, and exports agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and chemical products to Europe strengthening economic ties and supporting sustainable development in the Kingdom.

//Petra// MF

09/01/2026 16:42:34