The European Council has approved a 13.25 million euro ($13.9 million) assistance package for the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) under the European Peace Facility.
The funding aims to boost detection and countermeasure systems, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and mobility and engineering equipment.
Amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East, the initiative “will contribute to strengthening the capacities of JAF, to increase their ability to ensure Jordan’s stability and national security, and protect the civilian population,” stated the Council.
The announcement underscores the growing significance of the EU-Jordan partnership in promoting security and defense, highlighting Jordan’s “instrumental role” as “a voice of moderation and peace” in the region.
EU-Jordanian Ties
The development follows a July meeting between EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
Held in the context of the EU-Jordan Association Council in Brussels, the discussions resulted in an agreement to deepen bilateral ties, establishing a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership focused on security, politics, and the economy.
Addressing regional security concerns, Borrell announced additional EU sanctions against Israeli settlers involved in attacks on Jordanian humanitarian convoys.
He also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Jordan in hosting Palestinian and Syrian refugees, including continued funding for UNRWA.
In February 2023, the European Council allocated an additional 7 million euros ($7.38 million) to the Jordanian Army.
This earlier assistance aimed to bolster military medical services for injured soldiers and strengthen Jordanian engineer brigades to improve border security.