Proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Jordan Action Plan
Date: 2004-12-09
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU relations, Jordan, action programme, aid policy, association agreement (EU), common foreign and security policy, cooperation policy

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 9.12.2004 
COM(2004) 796 final 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, with 
regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Jordan 
Action Plan 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The 2002 Copenhagen European Council, closing accession negotiations with ten new States, 
recognised that enlargement presented an important opportunity to take forward relations with 
neighbouring  countries  based  on  shared  values,  and  stated  that  the  Union  remained 
determined  to  avoid  new  dividing  lines  in  Europe  and  to  promote  stability  and  prosperity 
within and beyond the new borders of the Union. 

The  Commission  Communication  “Wider  Europe  -  Neighbourhood:  A  New  Framework  for 
Relations  with  our  Eastern  and  Southern  Neighbours”  of  March  20031  proposed  the 
establishment of Action Plans with partner countries. On 16 June 2003, the Council welcomed 
this Communication and invited the Commission, with the contribution, where appropriate, of 
the High Representative, to present proposals for Action Plans for all countries concerned as 
appropriate, commencing with Ukraine, Moldova, and Southern Mediterranean partners with 
Association Agreements. 

On  14  June  2004,  the  Council  welcomed  the  Commission  Communication  “European 
Neighbourhood  Policy  –  Strategy  Paper”2.  The  Council  also  welcomed  the  Commission 
proposal  to  pursue  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP)  through  Action  Plans  to  be 
agreed  jointly  with  the  neighbouring  countries  concerned  and  invited  the  Commission  to 
propose such Action Plans. Action Plans should have a minimum duration of three years and 
be subject to renewal by mutual consent. They should be based on common principles but be 
differentiated,  as  appropriate,  taking  into  account  the  specificities  of  each  neighbour,  its 
national  reform  processes  and  its  relations  with  the  EU.  Action  Plans  should  be 
comprehensive  but  at  the  same  time  identify  clearly  a  limited  number  of  key  priorities  and 
offer  real  incentives  for  reform.  Action  Plans  should  also  contribute,  where  possible,  to 
regional cooperation. The Council also defined how to advance and monitor implementation 
of action plans.  

The  Commission,  in  close  cooperation  with  the  Presidency  and  the  High  Representative  on 
issues  related  to  political  cooperation  and  the  CFSP,  has  held  exploratory  talks  with  Jordan 
which have resulted in agreement on a draft Action Plan. It covers a timeframe of three to five 
years. Its implementation will help fulfil the provisions in the Association Agreement and will 
contribute to an increasingly close relationship with Jordan, involving a significant degree of 
economic integration and a deepening of political co-operation. Implementation of the Action 
Plan will significantly advance the approximation of Jordan’s legislation, norms and standards 
to those of the European Union. 

The Action Plan is a broad tool for economic and political co-operation, carrying to a further 
stage the commitments and objectives contained in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. 

In accordance with the Council Conclusions of 14 June 2004, stipulating that the Action Plans 
will be approved by the Council and subsequently endorsed by the respective Association or 
Co-operation Councils, the Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision 
on the position to be taken by the European Community and its Member States within the EU-
Jordan  Association  Council  with  regard  to  the  adoption  of  a  Recommendation  on  the 
implementation of the Action Plan in annex.  

1 
2 

COM(2003)104 
COM(2004)373 

2 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council 
Decision. 

3 

 
 
  
 
Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, with 
regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Jordan 
Action Plan 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to Article 2 (1) of the Council and Commission Decision 2002/357/EC, ECSC 
of  26  March  2002  on  the  conclusion  of  a  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  between  the 
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom 
of Jordan, of the other part; 

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 15 thereof; 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;3 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European 
Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of 
Jordan, of the other part, was signed on 24 November 1997 and entered into force on 1 
May 2002; 

The  Parties  intend  to  agree  on  an  EU-Jordan  Action  Plan,  which  will  support  the 
implementation  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  through  the  elaboration  and 
agreement of concrete steps towards attainment of its objectives. 

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 

Sole Article 

The  position  to  be  adopted  by  the  European  Community  and  its  Member  States  within  the 
Association  Council  established  by  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  establishing  an 
association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and 
the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, with regard to the implementation of the 
EU-Jordan  Action  Plan  shall  be  based  on  the  draft  Recommendation  of  the  Association 
Council annexed to this Decision. 

3 

OJ C […] […], p. […9 

4 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

5 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX  
draft 
RECOMMENDATION 

on the implementation of the EU-Jordan Action Plan  

The EU/Jordan Association Council, 

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the 
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom 
of Jordan, of the other part, and in particular Article 91 thereof, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

Article  91  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  gives  the  Association  Council  the 
power  to  make  appropriate  recommendations,  for  the  purposes  of  attaining  the 
objectives of the Agreement.  

In  terms  of  Article  101  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement,  the  Parties  shall  take 
any  general  or  specific  measures  required  to  fulfil  their  obligations  under  the 
Agreement and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained. 

The Parties to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU-
Jordan Action Plan. 

The  EU-Jordan  Action  Plan  will  support 
the  Euro-
Mediterranean Agreement through the elaboration and agreement between the Parties 
of concrete steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 

implementation  of 

the 

The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out concrete steps in bringing the 
fulfilment  of  the  Parties’  obligations  set  out  in  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement, 
and of providing a broader framework for further strengthening EU-Jordan relations to 
involve  a  significant  measure  of  economic  integration  and  a  deepening  of  political 
cooperation,  in  accordance  with  the  overall  objectives  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement. 

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 

Sole Article 

The Association Council recommends that the Parties implement the EU-Jordan Action Plan 
in annex, insofar as such implementation is directed towards attainment of the objectives of 
the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.  

Done at [...] 

For the Association Council 

The President 

6 

 
 
  
 
 
ANNEX 

EU/JORDAN ACTION PLAN 

1. Introduction  

The enlargement of the European Union on 1 May 2004 has brought a historical shift for the 
Union  in  political,  geographic  and  economic  terms.  The  EU  and  Jordan  are  now  closer 
together than ever before and, as near neighbours, will reinforce their political and economic 
interdependence.  Enlargement  offers  the  opportunity  for  the  EU  and  Jordan  to  develop  an 
increasingly close relationship, going beyond co-operation, to involve a significant measure of 
economic  integration  and  deepening  of  political  co-operation.  The  European  Union  and 
Jordan are determined to make use of this occasion to enhance their relations and to promote 
stability,  security  and  well-being.  The  approach  is  founded  on  partnership,  joint  ownership 
and differentiation. It will contribute to the further development of our strategic partnership.  

The European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union sets ambitious objectives based 
on commitments to shared values and effective implementation of political, economic, social 
and institutional reforms.  

Jordan is invited to enter into intensified political, security, economic and cultural relations, 
and shared responsibility in conflict prevention and conflict resolution.  

The level of ambition of the EU-Jordan relationship will depend on the degree of commitment 
to common values as well as the capacity to implement jointly agreed priorities. The pace of 
progress of the relationship will acknowledge fully the efforts and concrete achievements in 
meeting those commitments. 

The  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  is  part  of  the  European  Union’s  response  to  the 
Government of Jordan’s political reform agenda as set out in the “National Plan for Political 
Development”.  This  National  Plan  has  been  developed  to  progress  with  political  reform 
designed to consolidate democracy, accountability, transparency and justice in Jordan, and to 
build  a  model  for  a  modern,  knowledge-based  Islamic  and  Arab  country.  The  European 
Neighbourhood  Policy  also  responds  to  the  Government  of  Jordan’s  National  Social  and 
Economic  Action  Plan  (2004-2006),  which  aims  to  develop  a  sustainable  socio-economic 
reform process. 

This Action Plan is a first step in this process. It covers a timeframe of three to five years. Its 
implementation  will  help  fulfil  the  provisions  in  the  Association  Agreement  (AA)  and  will 
encourage  and  support  Jordan’s  national  reform  objectives  and  further  integration  into 
European  economic  and  social  structures.  Implementation  of  the  Action  Plan  will 
significantly  advance  the  approximation  of  Jordanian  legislation,  norms  and  standards  to 
those  of  the  European  Union.  It  will  also  build  solid  foundations  for  further  economic 
integration based on the adoption and implementation of economic and trade-related rules and 
regulations  with  the  potential  to  enhance  trade,  investment  and  growth.  It  will  furthermore 
help  to  devise  and  implement  policies  and  measures  to  promote  economic  growth, 
employment and social cohesion, to reduce poverty and to protect the environment, thereby 
contributing to the long-term objective of sustainable development. 

Jordan and the EU will cooperate closely in implementing this Action Plan. 

For the near future the AA remains a valid basis for EU-Jordan co-operation. 

7 

 
 
  
 
 
New Partnership Perspectives 

The European Neighbourhood Policy opens New Partnership Perspectives: 

•  The  perspective  of  moving  beyond  cooperation  to  a  significant  degree  of  economic 
integration, including through a stake in the EU’s Internal Market, and the possibility for 
Jordan to participate progressively in key aspects of EU policies and programmes. 

•  An upgrade in the scope and intensity of political cooperation. 

•  The  opportunity  for  convergence  of  economic  legislation,  the  opening  of  economies  to 
each other, and the continued reduction of trade barriers which will stimulate investment 
and growth; 

•  Increased  financial  support:  EU  financial  assistance  for  Jordan  will  be  better  targeted  to 
support  the  actions  identified  in  the  present  document,  mainly  to  support  the  political 
the  Jordanian  Government.  The 
reform  and  economic  modernisation  agenda  of 
Commission  is  furthermore  proposing  a  new  European  Neighbourhood  and  Partnership 
Instrument  (ENPI)  for  this  purpose,  also  covering  the  very  important  aspect  of 
transnational cooperation. There will also be infrastructure investment support through the 
European Investment Bank; 

•  Possibilities  of  gradual  opening  of  or  reinforced  co-operation  in  relevant  Community 
programmes,  promoting  i.a.  cultural,  educational,  environmental,  technical  and  scientific 
links; 

•  Support including technical assistance and twinning to meet EU norms and standards and 
targeted  support  and  advise  for  legislative  approximation  through  mechanisms  such  as 
TAIEX; 

•  Deepening trade and economic relations, extending them progressively to cover agriculture 
and the service sector, and to provide the conditions for increasing investment and exports;  

•  Enhanced  direct  cooperation  between  administrations  based  on  the  bodies  set  up  by  the 

Association Agreement in particular institutionalised thematic sub-committees. 

In light of the fulfilment of the objectives of this Action Plan and of the overall evolution of 
EU–Jordan  relations,  consideration  will  be  given  to  the  possibility  of  a  new  contractual 
relationship.  The  Commission  has  suggested  that  this  could  take  the  form  of  a  European 
Neighbourhood  Agreement.  The  advisability  of  any  new  contractual  arrangements  will  be 
considered in due time. 

Priorities for Action 

This  Action  Plan  sets  out  a  comprehensive  set  of  priorities  in  areas  within  the  scope  of  the 
Association  Agreement.  Among  these  priorities,  all  of  which  are  important,  particular 
attention should be given to:  

•  Take forward a national dialogue on democracy and political life within the framework of 

the national political development plan. 

8 

 
 
  
 
•  Continue  to  develop  an  independent  and  impartial  judiciary.  Further  reinforcing  of  the 

administrative and judiciary capacity.  

•  Take steps to develop further the freedom of the media and freedom of expression 

•  Further  promote  equal  treatment  of  women,  by  preparing  a  plan  to  increase  women’s 

participation in political and economic life. 

•  Strengthen  political  dialogue  and  co-operation  on  issues  of  international  and  regional 

interest including the Middle East Peace Process and the fight against terrorism.  

•  Take measures to improve business conditions to enhance growth and increase investment 

in Jordan.  

•  Enhance  Jordan’s  export  potential  by:  further  liberalisation  of  trade,  in  goods  and 
agriculture,  simplifying  and  upgrading  customs  legislation  and  procedures,  improving 
industrial standards and modernisation of the sanitary and phytosanitary systems.  

•  Take steps to prepare for a progressive liberalisation of trade in services. 

•  Effective  management  of  migratory  flows  and  facilitation  of  movement  of  persons  in 
conformity  with  the  acquis,  in  particular  examine  the  scope for  visa  facilitation  for  short 
stay for some categories of persons to be defined jointly. 

•  Implement 

the  Jordanian  Sustainable  Development  Strategy,  and 

implement 

the 

government’s strategy to reduce poverty 

•  Develop the transport, energy and information society sectors and networks through sector 

liberalisation, investment in infrastructures and interconnection with EU networks. 

•  Strengthen co-operation on science and technology 

Progress  in  meeting  these  priorities  will  be  jointly  monitored  in  sub-committees  established 
by  the  Association  Agreement.  On  this  basis, the  EU,  together  with  Jordan,  will  review  the 
content  of  the  Action  Plan  and  decide  on  its  adaptation  and  renewal.  After  three  years, 
decisions by Jordan and the EU may be taken on the next step in the development of bilateral 
relations,  including  the  possibility  of  new  contractual  links.  This  could  take  the  form  of  a 
European Neighbourhood Agreement whose scope will be defined in the light of progress in 
meeting the priorities set out in the Action Plan. 

2. Actions 

2.1. Enhanced Political dialogue and reform 

Democracy and rule of law 

(1) 

Promote the stability and effectiveness of institutions strengthening democracy and the 
rule of law including good governance and transparency 

–  Establish a political dialogue between the European Parliament and the Jordanian 

Parliament. 

9 

 
 
  
 
–  Support  ongoing  efforts  to  improve  good  governance  and  transparency  (Jordan 
First  Program  and  new  reform  agenda  of  the  Government)  in  line  with  UN 
Conventions to which Jordan is party.  

Medium Term 

–  Promote national dialogue on democracy, political life and relevant issues 

–  Reform of the political parties law and the elections law. 

–  Implement Government plans for preparing a comprehensive national programme 

for public sector reform. 

(2) 

Further  enhancement  of  the  independence and  impartiality  of  the  judiciary,  upgrade 
its quality and strengthen its administrative capacity 

–  Implement 

the  Judicial  Upgrading  Strategy  2004-2006,  simplify 

judicial 

procedures and improve the speed and efficiency of decisions. 

–  Strengthen  the  capacity  and  efficiency  of  the  justice  administration,  including 

adequate training of judges. 

Human rights and fundamental freedoms 

(3) 

Support the freedom of the media and strengthening freedom of expression 

–  Intensify on-going efforts to promote freedom of expression and independence of 

the media 

–  Strengthen the Higher Media Council 

–  Develop training programs and institutions for media professionals 

–  Promote role of the private sector in the media 

(4) 

Promote Freedom of association and Development of Civil Society 

–  Implement the government’s plans for development of civil society 

Medium Term 

–  Reform legislation on associations. 

(5) 

Ensure  respect  of  human  rights  and  fundamental  freedoms  in  line  with  Jordan’s 
international commitments 

–  Effective implementation of core UN Conventions to which Jordan is party. 

–  Strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of the National Commission for Human 

Rights  

–  Establish  a  dialogue  for  co-operation  on  Human  Rights  and  Democratisation  in 

the framework of the Association Committee 

10 

 
 
  
 
–  Enhance protection of children’s rights and eliminate child labour. 

–  Ensure effective application of existing legislation against ill treatment.  

(6) 

Promote Equal Treatment of women 

–  Incorporate into national legislation international Conventions to which Jordan is 
implementation  of  measures 

including 

party  concerning  women’s  rights, 
strengthening punishment of crimes. 

–  Exchange information and develop reliable statistics on these matters. 

Medium Term 

–  Increase the participation of women in economic and political life by developing 
and implementing a plan to increase the proportion of women in the labour force 
and in the political decision making process.  

(7) 

Promotion of fundamental social rights and core labour standards  

–  Develop a dialogue on the fundamental social rights and labour rules to identify 

potential measures in this field.  

Medium Term 

–  Implement  the  relevant  International  Labour  Conventions  to  which  Jordan  is 

party. 

–  Ensure adherence and effective implementation of relevant Jordan’s commitments 
to  the  core  labour  standards  contained  in  the  1998  ILO  Declaration  on 
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and related core ILO Conventions. 

Co-operation on foreign and security policy 

(8) 

Strengthen the Political dialogue and co-operation on foreign and security policy 

–  Develop  an  enhanced  political  dialogue  and  regular  exchange  of  information  on 
Common Foreign Security and Defence Policy (CFSP) and European Security and 
Defence Policy (ESDP).  

–  Work  with  the  EU  to  make  multilateral  institutions  and  conventions  more 
effective,  so  as  to  reinforce  global  governance,  strengthen  coordination  in 
combating security threats and address related development issues.  

Regional and international issues, conflict prevention and crisis management. 

(9) 

Strengthen  dialogue  and  co-operation  on  regional  and  international  issues,  conflict 
prevention and crisis management and addressing common security threats 

–  Establish contact points and carry out exchanges of information on ESDP matters 

with the Secretariat of the Council and the Commission. 

–  Further develop co-operation with Jordan in the context of the Middle East Peace 

Process, Iraq and other regional initiatives.  

11 

 
 
  
 
–  Actively  promote  the  conclusion  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Peace  and  Stability 

Charter  

–  Contribute  to  UN  efforts  to  resolve  regional  conflicts  and  promote  effective 

multilateralism. 

Medium Term 

–  Explore the possibility of participation in training activities on conflict prevention, 
crisis  and  natural  disaster  management  as  well  as  in  civil  and  military  peace–
keeping exercises and operations in co-operation with the EU. 

(10)  Further develop co-operation in addressing common security threats, including non-

proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illegal arms exports  

–  Cooperate  on  non-proliferation  of  weapons  o  mass  destruction,  their  means  of 
delivery and ballistic missiles, including through implementing UNSC resolution 
1540/04,  ensuring  full  compliance  with  and  national  implementation  of  existing 
international  obligations  and  promoting  the  accession  to  and  implementation  of 
other relevant international instruments and export control regimes. 

–  Further  develop  co-operation  in  the  prevention  of  and  fight  against  the  illicit 

trafficking of materials that are used in the manufacture of WMD. 

–  Co-operate on developing effective systems of national export control, controlling 
export  and  transit  of  WMD  related  goods,  including  WMD  end-use  control  on 
dual use of goods and technologies, and effective sanctions for breaches of export 
controls. 

–  Apply  the  risk  –  based  customs  control  ensuring  safety  and  security  of  goods 
imported, exported or in transit, and explore possible definitions of standards for 
certification  of  operator  (exporters  and  transporters)  intervening  in  commercial 
exchanges. 

–  Improve overall co-ordination in the non-proliferation area and examine specific 
threats related to WMD which undermine regional security and the scope of co-
operation in addressing them. 

–  Promote  the  relevant  provisions  on  the  political  and  security  partnership  of  the 
Barcelona  Declaration  with  the  objective  to  pursue  a  mutually  and  effectively 
veritable Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction. 

(11)  Combating terrorism 

–  Strengthen  EU-Jordan  co-operation  on  the  fight  against  and  prevention  of 

terrorism 

–  Co-operate  to  reinforce  the  role  of  the  UN  in  the  multilateral  fight  against 
terrorism,  including  through  full  implementation  of  UNSC  Resolutions  1373/01 
and 1267/99, and implementation and enforcement of the UN Convention for the 
Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism;  

–  Ensure respect of human rights in the fight against terrorism. 

12 

 
 
  
 
2.2. Economic and Social Reform and development  

Monetary, exchange rate and fiscal policies 

(12)  Consolidate progress in macro-economic stabilisation and growth policies. 

–  Pursue the implementation of a national macroeconomic stabilisation programme, 
taking  into  account  the  regional  situation,  with  the  aim  to  consolidate  the 
achievements  in  the  areas  of  price  stability,  lowering  public  debt  and  fiscal 
stability.  

–  Continue  improving  public  finance  management  and  transparency;  continue  the 

policies for achieving a sustainable fiscal and pension system.  

–  Increase efficiency of the public sector in line with the Government programme of 

reform. 

Functioning of Market Economy 

(13)  Continue  progress  in  the  establishment  of  fully  functioning  market  economy  through 

structural reforms.  

–  Continue progress with the privatisation program.  

–  Strengthening banking regulation and supervision.  

–  Review structural economic reforms and monitor EU-Jordan co-operation within 

the framework of the economic dialogue of the Association Agreement. 

(14)  Promote investment in Jordan 

–  Develop a strategy to promote domestic investment and attract foreign investment 
to Jordan, including regulatory simplification, administrative facilitation, training 
of operators, and extension of commercial representations within the EU. 

–  Develop  a  business-to-business  dialogue  and  contacts  between  investment 

promotion agencies to identify investment opportunities and obstacles. 

Social situation employment and poverty reduction  

(15)  Enhance Social Development and co-operation 

–  Implement  the  strategy  of  social  development  and  poverty  reduction  in 

accordance with the socio-economic transformation plan 

–  Develop  and  implement  market  driven  strategies  for  addressing  the  problem  of 

unemployment. 

–  Engage  in  a  dialogue  on  employment  and  social  issues  with  a  view  to  identify 

potential measures in this field. 

13 

 
 
  
 
Regional Development 

(16) 

Strengthening socio-economic cohesion of Jordan regions 

–  Strengthen  the  regional  development  management  structures.  Implement  the 
decentralisation  of  programme  of  services  delivery  and  management  at 
governorates level. 

–  Support the reduction of regional disparities in social and economic development, 
in  particular  in  rural  areas  in  accordance  with  the  Jordanian programme  of  rural 
and regional development. 

Sustainable Development 

(17)  Promotion of sustainable development 

–  Carry  out  a  gap  analysis  of  the  existing  Jordanian  Sustainable  Development 

Strategy ( Agenda 21) 

–  Prioritise actions contained in the strategy already as well as those resulting from 

the gap analysis 

Medium-term:  

–  Implement priority actions of the Strategy as defined within the short term. 

2.3. Trade related issues, market and regulatory reform 

2.3.1. Movement of goods 

Trade Relations 

(18)  Liberalisation of trade in goods. 

–  Develop a joint monitoring system of the tariff-dismantling schedule for industrial 

goods. 

–  Elimination of non tariff barriers. 

–  Examine the possibility for further liberalisation of trade in agricultural products. 

Identify areas with export potential to the EU. 

–  Staff  training  and  capacity  building  in  the  Ministry  of  Trade  and  Industry  on 

international trade relations. 

–  Work towards the conclusion of free trade agreements with other countries in the 

region. 

(19)  Enhancing Jordan’s Export Potential 

–  Develop  and  implement  a  national  strategy  for  exports  promotion  including 
training of operators and developing business to business marketing networks. 

14 

 
 
  
 
Medium Term:  

–  With a view to increasing transparency for economic operators elaborate rules of 

procedure for dispute settlement for the existing Association Agreement. 

Customs  

(20) 

Improve  functioning  of  customs  service  and  simplification  and  modernisation  of 
customs procedures  

–  Further  harmonisation  and  simplification  of  customs  legislation,  code  and 

procedures in accordance with Palermo recommendations. 

–  Strengthen co-operation with other agencies working at the border. 

–  Conclude  and  implement  the  new  protocol  on  Pan  Euro-mediterranean  origin 

cumulation. 

–  Strengthen  administrative  co-operation  to  combat  irregularities  and  fraud  in 

customs and related matters. 

–  Develop  EU-Jordan  co-operation  with  regard  to  risk  based  customs  control 
ensuring safety and security of goods imported, exported or in transit, and define 
standards for certification of operators (exporters and transporters) intervening in 
commercial exchanges. 

Medium-term: 

–  Further convergence of customs related legislation  

–  Strengthen customs laboratory expertise 

–  Adopt and implement a Customs Ethics Policy  

Technical  regulations,  standards  and  conformity  assessment  procedures 
harmonised areas) 

(EU 

(21)  Facilitate market access of industrial products. 

–  Implement the Palermo Action Plan for the Free Movement of Industrial Products 
approved by the July 2003 Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Trade Ministers. 

–  Establish a list of priority sectors for Jordan to participate in the internal market. 

–  Adapt the Jordanian institutions in charge of implementing product legislation and 

train the various stakeholders. 

–  Raise the awareness of economic operators. 

Medium Term 

–  Harmonise  and  implement  the  relevant  legislative  framework  with  the  acquis 
communautaire,  including  the  legislation  on  liability  for  defective  products  and 

15 

 
 
  
 
general  product  safety;  harmonise  national  standards  with  European  and 
international standards for industrial products. 

–  Strengthen the institutions in charge of standardisation, accreditation, conformity 
assessment,  metrology  and  market  surveillance;  integrate  them  to  the  extent 
possible within European and international structures. 

–  Simplify procedures to avoid multiple testing requirements. 

–  Negotiate an Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial 

Products. 

Restrictions and streamlined administration (EU non-harmonised areas) 

(22)  Facilitate the movement of goods and improve administrative co-operation. 

–  Ensure  that  interested  Jordanian  private  sector  associations,  representing  the 
majority  of  private  sector  operating  in  Jordan  in  accordance  with  national  laws 
and regulations, are given an opportunity to comment on new draft legislation. 

–  Ensure that interested parties are given an opportunity to identify problems related 

to movement of goods. 

Medium Term 

–  Analyse legislation and administrative procedures with a view to identifying and 

progressively removing discrimination against imported products.  

–  Ensure that there is a central administrative unit responsible for implementation of 
movement  of  goods.  This  could  also  be  a  contact  point  to  improve  information 
flows  and  co-operation  between  the  EU  and  Jordan  and  provide  information  to 
operators.  

Sanitary and phytosanitary issues 

(23) 

Increase  food  safety  for  Jordanian  and  European  consumers.  Reforms  and 
modernisation of the sanitary and phytosanitary sectors 

–  Continue  work  towards  full  implementation  of  the  WTO  agreement  on  the 
application of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures and active participation in 
relevant international bodies (OIE, IPPC, Codex Alimentarius). 

–  Draw  up  a  list  of  measures  for  gradual  legislative  approximation  towards  the 
principles  of  the  EU  legislation:  sanitary  and  phytosanitary,  food  and  animal 
traceability  and  hygiene.  First  step  towards  the  setting  up  of  an  animal 
identification and traceability system. 

–  Develop a food policy and an action plan 

–  Strengthen  regulation  to  prevent  the  placing  on  the  market  of  unauthorized 
substances,  including  plant  protection  products  and  ensure  the  monitoring  of 
residues  of  these  substances  in  live  animals,  animal  products  and  plant  products 
for food and feed. 

16 

 
 
  
 
–  Explore the possible reorganisation of the Jordan food safety control system under 
a unique Food Safety authority and the development of an official risk assessment 
and management structures and inspection services. Strengthening of the general 
sanitary  and  phytosanitary  controls.  Work  towards  the  interconnection  of  the 
national rapid verification/action system for dangerous goods with the Rapid Alert 
System for Food and Feed. 

–  Take  steps  to  increase  participation  of  stakeholders  in  the  Jordan  food  policy 

formulation and enforcement. 

Medium Term 

–  Increase  convergence  with  EU  food  safety  principles  and  general  foodstuff 
labelling requirements; examine potential for progressive abolition of pre-market 
approval systems for food products. 

2.3.2. Right of establishment, Company law and services. 

Establishment and company law 

(24)  Remove obstacles to the establishment and operation of companies. 

a) Operation of Companies 

–  Establish a suitable environment for companies. 

–  Co-operate to facilitate foreign investment 

b) Establishment 

–  Co-operate to facilitate the establishment of companies. 

–  Without  prejudice  of  annex  VI  of  the  agreement  ensure  reciprocal  national 

treatment for EU and Jordanian subsidiaries, companies or branches. 

c) Company law: 

–  Work towards convergence with key principles of international and EU rules and 
standards  including  the  establishment  of  a  public  register  of  undertakings,  a 
national  gazette  for  the  publication  of  companies  data  and  ensure  control  of  the 
incorporation of a company or the compatibility of certain acts in accordance with 
national laws and regulations.  

–  Efficient implementation of a code on corporate governance  

Medium Term: 

–  Establish a high-quality audit profession. 

17 

 
 
  
 
Services 

(25)  Gradual abolition of restrictions on supply of services 

–  Establish  the  Euromed  framework  protocol  to  enable  the  possibility  of  open 

bilateral negotiations. 

–  Develop a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the Jordanian services sector 
including  regulatory  simplification  and  administrative  facilitation  for  both 
Jordanian and EU sectors.  

–  Support Jordan to prepare for future liberalisation of trade in services in selected 
sectors  in  accordance  with  Government  Policies.  Jordan  to  proceed  with 
consultations with its private economic operators to identify sectors for potential 
co-operation.  

–  Explore  possibilities  of  facilitating  the  supply  of  services  including  by  the 
development  of  the  necessary  administrative  structures  and  the  removal  of 
identified barriers.  

(26)  Development of financial services. 

–  Enhancement of a prudential regulatory framework for financial services. 

–  Set up and train independent authorities to ensure effective supervision  

2.3.3 Movement of capital and current payments 

(27)  Further  development  of  capital  markets.  Liberalisation  of  Payments,  Capital 

Movements  

–  Review  current  legislation  to  assess  the  need  for  further  liberalisation  of 
movement of capitals and to guarantee the free transaction movement of capitals 
relating in particular to direct investment and the protection of foreign investment. 

Medium term: 

–  Complete liberalisation of capital movements  

2.3.4 Movement of persons including workers and social security co-ordination  

(28)  Facilitate the movement and integration of workers.  

–  Equality  of  treatment  of  Jordanian  and  Community  workers  nationals  who  are 
legally  residing  and  working  in  the  territory  of  the  Community  or  Jordan, 
elimination of discrimination. 

–  Coordination of social security schemes. 

18 

 
 
  
 
2.3.5. Regional co-operation 

(29) 

Support the development of policies promoting regional integration. 

–  Develop south-south trade and regional co-operation initiatives including support 
for  the  implementation  of  the  Agadir  agreement,  and  promote  trade  and 
investment among the regional partners. 

–  Continue work carried out in the development of other regional trade promotion 
initiatives  including  the  work  carried  out  by  the  trilateral  working  group  on  the 
Qualified Industrial Zones. 

–  Promote  the  development  of  regional  projects  in  the  environment,  energy, 

telecommunications and transport. 

2.3.6. Other key areas 

Taxation 

(30)  Further Development of the tax system and its institutions  

–  Further reform of the tax system and work to increase its compatibility with WTO 

norms. 

–  Strengthening of the Tax Administration. Develop a comprehensive Strategy  for 

the Tax Administration  

Medium Term 

–  Complete  the  network  of  bilateral  agreements  between  Jordan  and  EU  Member 

States on avoidance of double taxation. 

–  Gradual approximation of the national tax legislation with the principles/structure 
of  the  EU  acquis.  Depending  on  the  level  of  Jordan’s  access  to  the  Internal 
Market,  adoption of  and  compliance with  the  principles  of  the  Code  of  Conduct 
for Business Taxation 

Competition policy and State Aid  

(31)  Develop the conditions to enable competition between the EU and Jordan companies 
and  among  Jordanian  companies.  Establish  implementing  rules  on  competition, 
including in particular a consultation mechanism. 

–  Adopt an Association Council Decision on implementing rules on competition. 

(32)  Development of the mechanisms to monitor state aid grants 

–  Establish a binding, uniform definition of State aid which is compatible with that 

of the EU and a national mechanism for collecting information on state aid. 

–  Exchange with the EU of an annual report on the total amount and distribution of 

state aid, as foreseen by Article 53 of the Association Agreement. 

19 

 
 
  
 
(33)  Develop legislation and an anti trust control regime compatible with that of the EU. 

–  Strengthen the Competition Directorate of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and 

other concerned institutions. 

–  Assess  the  effectiveness  of  the  current  legislative  framework,  and  of  its 

implementation. 

–  Take  further  steps  to  increase  public  awareness  of  the  competition  rules  and 

policy. 

–  Ensure the right of appeal to an independent court against decisions on anti-trust 

in accordance with national laws and regulations. 

(34)  Ensure non-discrimination on the part of state monopolies of a commercial character. 

–  Exchange of information, insofar as this does not prejudice national security, on 
state monopolies and public enterprises which have been granted special rights. 

For  any  sectors  which  should  participate  in  the  internal  market,  Jordan  would  have  to  put 
into  place  a  State  aids  control  regime  and  legislation  compatible  with  that  of  the  EU 
including: 

Medium Term: 

–  Prohibition of state aid which distort trade between the EU and Jordan. 

–  A system of prohibition and ex-ante control of state aid. 

–  A procedure between the EU and Jordan, to settle cases that distort competition. 

Intellectual and industrial property 

(35)  Enhance protection of industrial and intellectual property rights  

–  Strengthen  the Trade’s Industrial Property Protection Directorate in the Ministry 

of Trade and Industry. 

–  Reduce  circulation  and  trafficking  of  counterfeit/pirated  goods  in  specifically 

targeted sectors. 

Medium Term: 

–  Accede  to  the  main  international  agreements  -  including  the  conventions  (and 
timeframe) provided for by the  Association Agreement - and apply  international 
standards. Explore the possibility of applying key elements from the EU acquis, 
which are not covered by relevant international standards  

–  Establish a dialogue with organisations of rights holders and users of IP 

–  Explore  the  possibility  of  enhanced  interaction  with  other  Euromed  partners  - 
further  legal/administrative  improvements  and  co-ordination,  membership  of 
additional relevant conventions etc. 

20 

 
 
  
 
Statistics 

(36)  Adoption  of  statistical  methods  compatible  with  European  standards  in  relevant 
statistical  areas  and  advance  the  institution  building  of  the  Jordanian  Statistical 
System 

–  Elaborate  a  short  and  middle  term  development  strategy  for  harmonisation  with 

European standards in the relevant statistical areas. 

–  Ensure  that  legislation  on  official  statistics  is  based  on  the  fundamental  UN 

principles. 

–  First  steps  to  develop  economic  and  social  statistics  in  conformity  with  EU 

standards. 

–  Continue the work on sustainable development indicators. 

Public procurement 

(37)  Develop conditions for open and competitive award of contracts. 

–  Improve  the  functioning  of  the  current  system  through  increased  transparency, 

information and training.  

–  Improve  information  and  awareness  among  contracting  authorities  and  the 

business community about public procurement procedures. 

–  Strengthen  the  Jordanian  Public  Procurement  and  Supplies  Departments  of  the 

Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Finance. 

–  Build capacity for e-procurement.  

Medium Term: 

–  Harmonise procurement related regulations. 

–  Convergence with and implementation of key acquis principles e.g. transparency, 

non-discrimination, competition and access to legal recourse.  

–  Explore  opportunities  for  increased  opening  of  the  public  procurement  markets 

within the Euromed region. 

Enterprise policy 

(38) 

Improve the conditions for enterprise development  

–  Modernise  and  improve  the  competitiveness  of  Jordanian  industry  including 
through the development of a Jordanian strategy for Industrial modernisation and 
competitiveness. 

–  Improve  business conditions including through  the adoption  and implementation 

of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise. 

21 

 
 
  
 
–  Work  towards  implementation  of  the  October  2003  strategy  of  the  Euro-

Mediterranean Working Party on Industrial Co-operation. 

–  Create a dialogue between business, administrations and academic institutions for 
the  identification  of  priority  actions  for  business  improvement  and  the  exchange 
of best practice. 

Medium Term 

–  Reinforce  the  role  of  enterprises  and  their  representative  organisations  in  the 

preparation of legislative and regulatory measures. 

Public Internal Financial Control and related issues 

(39)  Develop the conditions for good financial management, accountability and control 

–  Take first steps to develop independent internal audit systems for national budget 

in line with EU and international norms and standards. 

–  Strengthen and build the capacity of the Jordanian Audit Bureau in line with EU 

and international norms and standards. 

–  Start  work  to  develop  administrative  capacity  to  prevent  irregularities  affecting 

national and international funds. 

–  Ensure effective co-operation with the relevant EU Institutions  

2.4. Co-operation in Justice and Home Affairs 

Migration issues (legal and illegal migration, readmission, visa, asylum) 

(40)  Management of migratory flows and prevention of illegal migration 

–  Dialogue on asylum issues. 

–  Exchange  of  information  on  migration  issues  (entry  and  stay,  integration)  and 

illegal migration  

–  Discussion on the possibility of co-operation on transit migration. 

(41) 

Start and develop dialogue in visa issues 

–  Develop visa co-operation, including the possible adaptation of visa systems, the 

visa and travel documents issuing procedure including their security 

–  In  order  to  facilitate  the  circulation  of  persons,  examine  within  the  context  of 
existing  structures,  de  possibilities  of  facilitation  visa  issuing  (simplified  and 
accelerated procedures in conformity with the acquis) 

22 

 
 
  
 
Border management 

(42)  Development of an efficient border management 

–  Exchange  of  information  and  practices  on  EU  standards  concerning  border 

management 

–  Develop regional co-operation between relevant law enforcement bodies  

Fight against organised crime 

(43)  Ratification and implementation of international instruments 

–  Ratification  and  implementation  of  the  United  Nation  Convention  against 
Transnational  Organised  Crime.  Signature  and  ratification  of  the  Protocols  on 
smuggling  migrants,  trafficking  in  persons  and  illicit  manufacturing  and 
trafficking of firearms. 

–  Develop  legislation  following  relevant  international  standards  and  international 

conventions. 

–  Exchange information on the methods to fight against trafficking of persons, and 

smuggling of illegal migrants, including the position of victims  

–  Exchange of information on the fight against Cybercrime 

–  Develop effective law enforcement agencies for the fight against organised crime. 

Drugs 

(44)  Reinforce the fight against drugs 

–  Exchange  information  on  the  implementation  of  the  1988  UN  Convention  on 
Illicit  Traffic  of  Narcotic  and  Psychotropic  Substances,  including  on  reinforcing 
and/or harmonising national legislation  

–  Exchange information on international co-operation in the fight against drugs 

–  Start  dialogue  on  regional  co-operation  including  on  training  of  relevant 

authorities  

–  Prevention  of  the  diversion  of  precursors  and  other  essential  substances  to  the 
production  of  illicit  narcotic  drugs  equivalent  to  those  adopted  by  the  Chemical 
Action Task Force ( CATF). 

Money laundering, financial and economic crime 

(45)  Develop co-operation in the fight against money laundering  

–  Exchange information and dialogue on the basic requirements in accordance with 
relevant  international  standards  and  international  conventions.  Start  developing 
the legislative framework based on these standards. 

23 

 
 
  
 
–  Co-operation  between  Jordanian  Law  enforcement  agencies  and  international 

organisations as well as with corresponding services of EU Member states 

–  Exchange of information and dialogue concerning the institutional framework to 
support the fight against money laundering, financial and economic crime. Police 
and judicial co-operation 

(46)  Develop  co-operation  between  Jordan  and  EU  Member  States  judicial  and  law 

enforcement authorities  

–  Implement  relevant  international  conventions  and,  where  already  ratified,  start 

developing national legislation for their implementation 

–  Exchange  of  information  between  EU,  EU  Member  states  and  Jordanian  law 
enforcement  agencies,  including  on  matters  related  to  the  International  Criminal 
Court. 

–  Co-operation  in  the  field  of  police  training  between  Jordanian  and  European 

police academies and colleges, as well as with CEPOL 

–  Explore  the  possibilities  for  co-operation  between  Jordan  and  EUROPOL 

(European Police Office). 

(47)  Develop adequate correctional centres (prisons) conditions  

–  Exchange  of  information  between  the  EU  and  Jordan  on  correctional  centres 
(prisons)  including  classification  systems  for  prisoners,  vocational  training 
programmes and reintegration into society 

–  Develop a national programme to implement improvements in correctional centre 
(prisons)  conditions,  including  the  enhancement  of  detention  facilities  having 
regard to the protection of fundamental human rights.  

Combating terrorism  

(48) 

Strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism 

–  Develop cooperation to strengthen the fight against the financing of terrorism in 
line  with  the  standards  laid  down  in  the  FATF  recommendations  on  terrorism 
financing. 

–  Develop cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism. 

–  Develop judicial cooperation in the context of combating terrorism. 

2.5. Transport, energy, information society and environment  

Transport 

(49) 

Implement the National Transport Policy  

–  Further  develop  the  National  Transport  Policy  to  include  the  development  of  all 

transport modes  

24 

 
 
  
 
–  Strengthen  and  if  necessary  establish  the  administrative  structures  to  prepare 

specific plans for priority sectors. 

–  Strengthen  and  if  necessary  develop  the  necessary  independent  regulatory 

authorities. 

–  Develop  an  infrastructure  policy  in  order  to  identify  the  priority  infrastructure 

projects in various sectors as well as addressing financing issues.  

Regional element: 

–  Participate  in  the  planning  and  identification  of  priority  regional  infrastructure 
projects and the interconnection of this network with the trans-European transport 
network. 

–  Participate  in  the  development  of  Global  Navigation  Satellite  Systems  in  the 
Mediterranean  region  and  in  the  new  MEDA  regional  project  on  satellite 
navigation. 

–  Adopt border crossing facilitation actions that aim to improve the functioning of 
the  transport  network  in  order  to  increase  the  fluidity  of  the  transport  flows 
between Jordan, regional partners and the EU.  

Medium Term: 

–  Participate  in  the  development  of  Global  Navigation  Satellite  Systems  in  the 

Mediterranean region. 

–  Implementation of a license regime both for passenger and freight operations with 

a view to ensuring level playing field in particular in the freight sector . 

–  Strengthening of bodies to enforce standards in the field of social legislation and 
technical  requirements  with  international  conventions  and  EU  standards  in  the 
area of dangerous goods and driving times. 

–  Undertake  work  towards  further  approximation  of  legislative  and  regulatory 

frameworks with European and International standards. 

(50) 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the aviation sector 

–  Implementation  of  the  existing  national  aviation  policy  and  further  reinforce 
administrative  capacity  (including  a  separation  of  regulatory  and  operational 
functions of the CAA).  

–  Continue with the sector reform and gradual market liberalization. Address issues 
of private investments in airport infrastructures and the opening of the market for 
ground handling services.  

–  Prepare  for  negotiations  on  a  comprehensive  aviation  agreement  with  the  EU. 
Revise bilateral  aviation agreements  concluded with Member States with a view 
the  Community  designation  clause.  Explore  possibilities  for 
to 
involvement in the Single European Sky. 

include 

25 

 
 
  
 
–  Co-operation on aviation security matters (common rules to combat international 

terrorism). 

–  Improve the management, control and safety of air traffic. 

Medium Term: 

–  Develop industrial and research co-operation with the EU in the aviation sector.  

(51) 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the maritime sector 

–  Implement the National Maritime Policy for the development of the sector. 

–  Strengthen the institutional structures in maritime administration in terms of ship 

inspectors and associated support personnel. 

–  Strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime security in order to fight terrorism 

within the framework of SOLAS/ISPS provisions.  

–  Implement relevant international conventions.  

–  Continue  with  the  reform  of  the  port  sector  (separation  of  operational  and 

commercial functions). 

Medium Term: 

–  Introduce  stringent  maritime  safety  provisions  with  a  view  to  exploring  the 
possibilities  of  cooperating  in  EMSA  activities.  Continue  to  approximate  the 
Jordanian  maritime  legislation  to  international  and  EU  standards.  Effectively 
enforce maritime safety standards and effective enforcement in the areas of Port 
State Control and Flag State implementation. 

Regional element: 

–  Take part in regional co-operation regarding maritime policy, ports and short sea 

shipping. 

–  Develop  co-operation  with  EU  and  Mediterranean  partners  in  the  framework  of 
the International Maritime Organisation and promote the participation in the new 
regional project on maritime safety (SAFEMED).  

Energy 

(52)  Take steps to adopt an updated overall energy policy converging towards EU energy 

policy objectives. 

–  Update  and  take  steps  to  adopt,  by  the  appropriate  instance,  the  current  energy 

policy document. 

–  Gradual harmonisation of the Jordanian statistical and data registration systems in 

the energy sector with EU standards. 

–  Modernise and develop the Nuclear Energy Commission. 

26 

 
 
  
 
–  Strengthen and develop the capacity of the Natural Resources Authority. 

Medium term  

–  Implementation  of  an  updated  overall  energy  policy  converging  towards  EU 

energy policy objectives. 

–  Further develop EU-Jordan energy policy dialogue and cooperation. 

(53)  Gradual  convergence  towards  the  principles  of  the  EU  internal  electricity  and  gas 

markets. 

–  Establish a list of measures for gradual convergence towards the principles of the 

EU internal electricity and gas markets. 

–  Cooperate, in the context of the Declaration of Intent of 2 December 2003 on the 

Euro-Mashrek cooperation in the field of natural gas. 

–  Effective electricity price developments towards the elimination of distortions. 

–  Develop  the  Electricity  Regulatory  Commission  towards  an  energy  sector 

regulator independent from market operators. 

–  Further advance in restructuring/privatising the electricity sector. 

Medium term 

–  Implement  measures  for  gradual  convergence  towards  the  principles  of  the  EU 
internal  electricity  and  gas  markets,  complete  electricity  sector  reform  and 
continue the Euro-Mashrek gas cooperation. 

(54)  Progress on energy networks. 

Short and medium term 

–  Reduce electricity network losses. 

–  Further  development  of  regional  energy  infrastructures  including  the  submarine 
electricity cable with Egypt, the electricity interconnection with Syria and the gas 
pipeline towards Syria. 

–  Improve safety and security of energy infrastructure 

–  Develop  interconnections  on  oil,  gas  and  electricity  with  the  neighbouring 

countries 

(55)  Progress on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. 

–  Take steps to adopt an Action Plan for improving energy efficiency and enhancing 

the use of renewable energy. 

–  Reinforce  the  institutions  dealing  with  energy  efficiency  and  renewable  energy 

sources. 

27 

 
 
  
 
Medium term 

–  Pursue measures in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. 

–  Progress to reach Jordan's target to ensure that 5 % of the country's energy needs 
are covered by the year 2015 by renewable energy sources in the medium term.  

Information Society  

(56)  Progress in the development and use of Information Society applications 

–  Elaborate a national policy on the development of the sector including regulatory, 

economic, technological and social aspects, including advanced services 

–  Take steps to liberalise the market for fixed voice telephony. 

–  Work 

towards  developing  a  harmonized  regulatory  framework 

including 
licensing,  access  and  interconnection,  numbering,  Universal  Service  and  users 
rights, privacy protection and data security, cost-orientation of tariffs.  

–  Implement Government’s plan for the promotion of the Information Society and 
implement the e-Transaction law as well as the current plans on e-Government, e-
Commerce and e-Finance. 

–  EU support, including training and cooperation in regional eStrategies. 

–  Encourage broadband development in order to increase internet penetration. 

Environment  

(57)  Take steps to ensure that conditions for good environmental governance are  set and 

start implementing them  

–  Enhance administrative structures and procedures to ensure strategic and financial 
planning  as  well  as  implementation,  including  strengthening  of  the  Ministry  of 
Environment. 

–  Review the National Environment Action Plan NEAP.  

–  Complete  the  adoption  of  the  Environment  Protection  Law;  take  steps  to  Adopt 

by-laws on environment  

–  Implement priority actions of the National Environmental Education, Awareness 

and Communication Strategy. 

Medium-term: 

–  Prepare  a  state-of-the  environment  report  by  the  end  of  2006,  drawing  on  from 
support  and  experience  by  UNEP  and  European  Environment  Agency,  where 
appropriate; 

28 

 
 
  
 
(58)  Take  active  action  for  prevention  of  deterioration  of  the  environment,  protection  of 
human health, and achievement of rational use of natural resources, in line with the 
commitments of the Johannesburg summit 

Medium term: 

–  Seek  incentives  to  promote  environmentally  sound  production  patterns  within 

Jordanian industries. 

–  Take  steps  towards  adoption  of  specific  programmes/plans  on  selected  priority 

sectors  

(59)  Enhance co-operation on environmental issues 

–  Identify  possibilities  for  enhanced  regional  co-operation,  in  particular  in  relation 

to water issues  

–  Possible participation in selected European Environment Agency (EEA) activities  

–  Work towards the implementation of the provisions under the Kyoto Protocol and 

the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.  

Medium term  

–  Implement  provisions  under  the  Kyoto  Protocol  and  the  UN  Framework 

Convention on Climate Change  

Science and technology, research and development 

(60)  Accelerate  the  integration  of  Jordan  into  the  European  Research  Area  and  the 

Community Framework Programme 

–  Complete  negotiations  and  start  implementation  of  the  Science  and  Technology 

agreement. 

–  Put into place and reinforce mutual information systems 

–  Put  into  place  the  network  of  national  contact  points  for  the  6th  Framework 

programme and connect the RDT-I operators 

–  Organise the EU-Jordanian co-operation in RDT-I  

–  Strengthen  the  Higher  Council  for  Science  and  Technology  and  the  Higher 

Committee for Scientific Research. 

–  Develop a sound policy for Scientific Research and Development 

–  To  facilitate  Jordan’s  participation  in  the  6th  Community  R&D  Framework 

Programmes and in other EU scientific activities.  

29 

 
 
  
 
(61)  Develop  the  scientific  and  technological  capacity  with  a  focus  on  the  use  of  RTD 

results by the industrial and SME sector  

–  Reinforce the human resources, as well as the material and institutional means to 

improve the capacities of the RTD-I operators. 

–  Organise  a  concerted  interaction  between  the  scientific  actors  and  the  end  users 

(industry, SME), public-private 

(62)  Promote the integration of Jordan into scientific high-level exchanges  

–  Reinforce  Jordan’s  participation  in  the  international  Marie  Curie  scholarships; 

foresee appropriate mechanisms for return 

–  Reinforce  the  exchange  of  personal  in  the  joint  projects  and  promote  the 

participation of Jordanian scientists in international scientific debates  

2.6. People-to-people contacts  

Education, training and youth 

(63)  Reform  and  upgrade  the  education  and  training  systems  and  work;  within  the 
framework  of  the  Jordanian  national  programme,  towards  convergence  with  EU 
standards and practice. 

–  Develop and implement a vocational training programme  

–  Reform  the  education  system  according  to  the  Jordanian  national  programme. 
Work  towards  to  enhancing  the  quality  and  the  capacity  of  institutions  and 
organisations involved in the quality assurance of education and training provision 
Address accreditation and licensing procedures; 

–  Take  steps  to  increase  the  involvement  of  civil  society  stakeholders  and  social 

partners in higher education and VET reform; 

–  Encourage the participation in the Erasmus Mundus programme.  

–  Foster the development of human resources and human capital, and promote the 

reform of higher education through the TEMPUS III programme.  

–  Aim  at  the  reform  of  higher  education  in  line  with  the  principles  of  Bologna 

process.  

(64)  Enhance co-operation in the field of education, training and youth  

–  Establish a policy dialogue between EU and Jordanian authorities in the field of 

education and training 

–  Explore the possibility of extending co-operation in the areas of school education, 
vocational education and training through the possible extension of the TEMPUS 
programme. 

–  Increase links among Jordanian educational institutions and with the EU 

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–  Enhance  youth  exchanges  and  co-operation  in  the  field  of  non-formal  education 

and intercultural dialogue  

Culture and audio-visual issues 

(65)  Enhance cultural co-operation  

–  Enhance  Jordan’s  participation 

in 

the  relevant  EC  cultural  co-operation 

programmes. 

(66)  Create  conditions  for  an  environment  favouring  co-operation  and  circulation  of 

cultural and audio-visual goods and services 

–  Work  towards  the  development  of  a  transparent,  efficient  and  predictable 
regulatory  system  including  through  the  establishment  of  an  independent 
regulatory authority in the audio-visual sector 

Public health 

(67) 

Increase the level of health security, health information and knowledge 

–  Exchange of information and know-how on health indicators and data collection 

–  Invite relevant Jordanian authorities as observers in the meetings of the Network 

of Competent Authorities 

–  Develop the Technical and administrative conditions to integrate Jordan in the EU 

public health information and knowledge system  

(68)  Communicable  Disease  Surveillance  and  Health  Security 

(Epidemiological 

Surveillance and Control) 

–  Participation  in  Communicable  Disease  Networks  and  dedicated  surveillance 

networks 

–  Develop adequate laboratories networking 

3. Monitoring 

The  Action  Plans  will  be  submitted  for  formal  adoption  to  the  EU-Jordan  Association 
Council. The Action Plans will guide the work between the EU and Jordan. Should the need 
arise,  on  the  EU  side,  for  specific  measures  necessitating  legally  binding  decisions,  the 
Commission  will  recommend  to  the  Council  the  adoption  of  the  necessary  negotiating 
directives.  

The joint bodies established under the Association Agreement will advance and monitor the 
implementation of the Action Plan on the basis of regular reports on its implementation. 

A first review of the implementation of the Action Plan will be undertaken within two years 
of its adoption. 

The  Action  Plan  can  be  regularly  amended  and/or  updated  to  reflect  progress  in  addressing 
the priorities. 

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Glossaire 

CAA:   

Civil Aviation Authority 

CEPOL: 

European Police College 

EMSA: 

European Maritime Safety Agency 

FATF:  

Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering 

IP: 

Intellectual Property 

IPPC:   

International Plant Protection Convention 

ILO: 

International Labour Organisation 

NEAP:  

National Environment Action Plan 

OIE: 

Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Animale 

TAIEX: 

Technical Assistance Information Exchange 

UNEP:  

United Nations Environment Programme 

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