On the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for… scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

PRIMA has proven to be an effective framework for fostering scientific cooperation in the Mediterranean, addressing pressing challenges such as sustainable agro-food systems and integrated water management. The interim evaluation of 2023 confirmed its added value, demonstrating that it strengthens research capacities and supports the Union’s strategic priorities in the region.

In particular, PRIMA has proven to be a model of science diplomacy in the Mediterranean, a region of geopolitical importance for the Union. The partnership operates on the principles of mutual benefit, equal footing, co-ownership, co-decision and co-financing. Addressing the critical challenges of the region, where 180 million people are considered 'water poor' and where the agricultural sector has suffered from severe water shortages and decreasing crop yields, PRIMA's work directly contributes to regional stability, prosperity and resilience. The programme follows a long-term Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda covering three interconnected thematic areas: water management, farming systems and the food value chain, integrated since 2019 through the innovative Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus approach.

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been a committed partner in PRIMA since its inception. Jordan occupies in fact a position of strategic importance within Programme, and more broadly, in the Mediterranean research cooperation. The EU has consistently praised Jordan's active and constructive role in this co-chairmanship, recognizing its essential contribution to regional science diplomacy. This leadership position demonstrates that Jordan is an important architect of the Mediterranean research agenda and a ‘bridge builder’ among diverse partners across both shores of the Mediterranean. By enabling Jordanian researchers to collaborate with European and Mediterranean partners, PRIMA facilitates the cross-pollination of innovative approaches to challenges that transcend borders - from climate-resilient agriculture to efficient water use technologies - creating multiplier effects that benefit all participating countries.

The amended agreement aligns its participation with the new terms introduced under Horizon Europe and ensures compliance with the updated legal and financial framework. This step will allow Jordan to remain fully engaged in the partnership until 2031, guaranteeing continuity of cooperation and joint work on shared challenges.

The agreement is fully consistent with the EU’s external policies, including the New Agenda for the Mediterranean, the Global Approach to Research and Innovation and the Union’s climate and development objectives. It carries no additional budgetary implications beyond those already foreseen in the continuation of PRIMA under Horizon Europe.

In light of the proven benefits of PRIMA, representing a vital pillar of this deepened partnership, translating political commitments into concrete scientific collaboration that addresses shared challenges, Jordan’s longstanding engagement and the broader geopolitical importance of sustained cooperation with Southern Neighbourhood partners, the Rapporteur believes that it is in the Union’s clear interest to conclude this agreement. This will ensure continuity of a proven partnership, strengthen the EU's engagement with a key regional partner and reinforces the Union's commitment to addressing shared Mediterranean challenges through collaborative science, contributing simultaneously to research excellence, regional stability and development.

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