AMMAN — EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas on Friday said the Jordan-EU summit was the first of its kind between the two sides, describing it as “a very important day” for EU-Jordan relations and one that differs from routine leaders’ meetings.

 

In an interview with Al Mamlaka TV, Chatzisavas noted that the summit brought two top EU leaders to Amman, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, explaining that both were mandated to speak on behalf of all 27 EU member states and carried a message to convey, as well as negotiations to hold, with Jordanian partners.

 

He noted that Jordan is one of only two Mediterranean countries with which the EU maintains a platform for regular dialogue at the leadership level, highlighting the Kingdom’s strategic importance.

 

“The EU seeks partnerships with countries that share its values,” Chatzisavas said, citing Jordan’s commitment to international law as a key factor.

 

He recalled that the summit came a year after His Majesty King Abdullah visited Brussels in January 2025, where the two sides agreed on a “strategic and comprehensive partnership” outlining ambitious objectives across political, security, defence, trade, and cooperation sectors.

 

Looking ahead, Chatzisavas said the next major step following the summit will be an investment conference at the Dead Sea in the second half of April, with von der Leyen expected to attend alongside European investors. He noted that the EU had previously pledged a 3 billion euro support package for Jordan, split between public-private investment, concessional loans, and grants.

 

Among the flagship projects is the Aqaba–Amman National Water Carrier, which the EU views as a signal to investors that Jordan can manage large-scale, ambitious projects.

 

In the energy sector, priorities include grid interconnection, battery storage, solar and renewable energy projects, and emerging solutions such as green hydrogen, he said, adding that Jordan is well-positioned to produce green hydrogen, with European investors already lined up and buyers secured, framing it as an active, rather than future, opportunity.

 

Chatzisavas also highlighted the EU’s investment in the Aqaba Digital Hub, including a new data centre, with plans to enhance connectivity between Europe, Jordan, and India.

 

He also underscored Jordan’s stability and investment-friendly environment while noting the importance of continued reforms and marketing of profitable opportunities to European investors. He also stressed that investors need reassurance of a level playing field to ensure fair competition in the Kingdom.

 

On regional issues, Chatzisavas commended Jordan’s pivotal role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He noted the EU has coordinated closely with Jordan to deliver aid via land corridors and airdrops, overcoming obstacles to ensure assistance reaches those in need.

 

Jordan, he said, is also playing a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, acting as a gateway for EU-led rebuilding efforts in the wider Levant.

 

The ambassador also highlighted EU measures targeting Israel, including a sanctions package introduced in September 2025, aimed at violent settlers and the suspension of direct financial transfers. On Gaza, he described the EU’s support for reconstruction as a practical response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, warning against organisations that violate international humanitarian law.

 

Regarding UNRWA, Chatzisavas emphasised that the EU remains its largest donor, supporting reforms necessary to adapt to declining contributions from other partners while ensuring accountability and prioritisation of assistance to Palestinian civilians. He warned that developments in the West Bank could undermine efforts to stabilise Gaza, describing the situation as “terrible.