The European Council has taken a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) by approving a robust assistance package valued at 13.25 million euros (approximately $13.9 million). This funding, allocated under the European Peace Facility, is aimed at bolstering critical military functions including detection and countermeasure systems, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, and enhancing mobility and engineering equipment.
As tensions mount in the Middle East, the Council has articulated that this financial support will play a pivotal role in strengthening the JAF’s capacities. It is anticipated that these enhancements will substantially increase Jordan’s ability to maintain national security and stability while ensuring the protection of its civilian population. This initiative reflects the growing importance of the EU-Jordan partnership in the realms of security and defense, with Jordan being recognized for its crucial role as “a voice of moderation and peace” in a region often fraught with conflict.
The decision to increase military support for Jordan follows a recent meeting in July involving Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, and Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Foreign Minister. Conducted in the framework of the EU-Jordan Association Council held in Brussels, the dialogue resulted in a mutual agreement to deepen their bilateral relationship, culminating in the establishment of a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. This partnership is geared toward collaboration in security, political, and economic spheres.
Borrell’s remarks during the meeting underscored ongoing regional security challenges, prompting him to announce additional EU sanctions targeting Israeli settlers implicated in assaults on Jordanian humanitarian convoys. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the European Union’s dedicated support for Jordan’s efforts to accommodate Palestinian and Syrian refugees, which includes sustained funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
This latest round of financial assistance for the Jordanian military follows a previous allocation made in February 2023, when the European Council granted an additional 7 million euros (around $7.38 million) to enhance military medical services for injured soldiers as well as to strengthen engineer brigades to improve border security measures. These cumulative efforts signify the EU’s commitment to supporting Jordan amid rising regional challenges, further solidifying the strategic alliance between the two entities.
