Read-out of phone call between President von der Leyen and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

Today, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen held a phone call with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.

First, President von der Leyen praised Jordan's role, under the leadership of the King, as a cornerstone of stability in a region marked by conflict and humanitarian crisis. She commended Jordan's long-standing generosity in hosting Palestinian refugees.

The leaders discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, now entering its 11th week under a severe blockade.

“The expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, among them a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent.”

 President von der Leyen reiterated the EU's strong call for Israel to lift the blockade.

 “The European Commission has always supported – and will continue to support – Israel's right to security and self-defence, but this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law,” the President said. “Israel needs to immediately restore aid delivery in line with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners.“

President von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's position, which includes the unconditional release of all hostages, a return to a ceasefire, and the large-scale delivery of humanitarian assistance. These steps, she stressed, are essential to pave the way for a permanent end to hostilities and the disarmament of Hamas.

“We call on the government of Israel to put an immediate halt on the current escalation. We also call on the terrorist organization of Hamas to immediately and without any delays release the remaining hostages cruelly held since 7 October 2023.”

The President also raised the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. In response, the EU has stepped up support to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people. This includes a comprehensive financial assistance package of €1.6 billion for the period 2025–2027, with €310 million in direct support to the Palestinian Authority in 2025.

“Europe's commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-state solution remains unwavering,” said President von der Leyen.

The leaders reaffirmed their support for the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, which was approved by Arab states at the Cairo Summit last March, stressing that no forcible displacement of Palestinians should take place.

Then, the leaders discussed the ongoing implementation of the EU–Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, signed in January 2025.

President von der Leyen expressed appreciation for the excellent cooperation since its launch.

She noted that the disbursement of €500 million under the EU's Macro-Financial Assistance Package was expected early August. A second and similar amount should be endorsed at EU level in the autumn.

An additional €228 million in assistance for 2025–2027 is scheduled for adoption in July to further boost Jordan's investment climate.

Finally, the leaders discussed the situation in Syria.

President von der Leyen welcomed Jordan's role in supporting institutional capacity-building efforts in the country. She reaffirmed the EU's readiness to deepen cooperation with Jordan in this area.

She also highlighted the EU's historic decision last week to lift economic sanctions on Syria and confirmed that the EU will continue to monitor the reform process in Syria and be vigilant on any human rights violations.

President von der Leyen noted that the EU remains at the forefront of international efforts to support the Syrian people. The recent Brussels IX Conference secured nearly €6 billion in pledges for Syria and its neighbouring countries.

President von der Leyen emphasised the EU's support to Syria's reconciliation and recovery path, leading to the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.