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Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf
  • News article
  • 8 July 2025
  • Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf
  • 1 min read

EU - Jordan PRIMA Agreement signature ceremony

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Today, the European Union and Jordan formally signed the renewed PRIMA Agreement (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area). 

The agreement was signed in Brussels on behalf of the EU by the Director-General for Research and Innovation, Marc Lemaitre and, for Jordan, by Professor Mashhoor Al Refai, Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology.

This renewed agreement reinforces collaboration on key Mediterranean priorities such as climate resilience, sustainable food systems, and inclusive economic development. It also secures Jordan’s continued access to PRIMA funding and partnerships, reinforcing its role in broader EU research and innovation efforts. Jordan will contribute 4.5 million euro to the Partnership between 2025 and 2027.

European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva welcomed the agreement, saying: “At a time when the world faces growing uncertainty, Jordan and the EU are investing in what brings us together. This renewed agreement is not just about research, it’s about shared ambition, regional stability, and a future shaped by cooperation and innovation.”
 

During the signing ceremony, the EU highlighted Jordan’s strong commitment to regional science diplomacy, particularly its active co-chairmanship - alongside the EU - of the Union for the Mediterranean’s Research and Innovation Platform, which works to deepen regional cooperation on shared challenges.

Next steps

Jordan is the first partner country to complete all steps to formalise its participation in PRIMA for the 2025–2027 period. The agreement will enter into force following ratification, expected in the coming months.

Background

Negotiations began on 20 November 2023, when both parties agreed to extend their cooperation in research and innovation under PRIMA. The text was initialled in February 2024, and today’s ceremony marks the formal conclusion of this process.

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