EU-Jordan relations workshop to assess the European Neighbourhood Policy Progress report 2007

It is the first of its kind to gather a wide spectrum of representatives from both the government of Jordan and civil society institutions, together with EU officials and member states representatives, to take stock of the outcome of the European Commission report on "Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in 2007" released last week.

The workshop was co-chaired by Secretary General at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Naser Shraydeh, and Ambassador Patrick Renauld, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Jordan.

The participants list included representatives also from the Foreign Ministry, Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Security Directorate, Trade Unions and Chambers of Industry and Commerce, National Centre for Human Rights and other more representatives.

H.E. Mr. Nassr Shraideh articulated the key areas of progress as stated in the report. He also highlighted that the Government of Jordan is committed to pursue its political, social and economic reforms and underlined the support received from the EU, which assisted in implementing some of these reforms and key development projects. Mr. Shraideh had a heart to heart exchange with the participants on the different aspects and mechanisms of policy dialogue in relation to the Euro-Jordanian Action Plan.

The report's findings were largely echoed in the Jordanian press. Mr. Renauld pointed out "Jordan has made very courageous steps recently, such as lifting subsidies on fuel. We are aware of the consequences, and we are doing our best to support and accompany Jordan in overcoming those difficult moments."

He also added, "The purpose of such report is to asses in order to advance/progress and not the opposite. This is one of the tools that reflect the transparent and coherent approach that the EC adopts towards fostering its partnerships with its neighbours. We, government, partner, private sector must share our respective responsibilities within this framework."

Mr. Renauld also reiterated the EU' s and the EU member states interest in promoting civil society participation in public policy and open transparent and accountable civil society organizations.

Conclusions from the workshop

- The need to know more on the EU market and increase support to SME.
- Increase cooperation between European & Jordanian Parliaments
- More awareness on EU-Jordan relationship and mainly on time frame, steps and concrete achievements
- The need to activate the Eco-Social Council with the necessary legislations