On 23 June 2026, the Council of the European Union published an 'I/A' item note indicating that it will adopt a decision concluding an agreement enabling Jordan to participate in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). The decision amends the existing EU-Jordan science and technology cooperation agreement to include Jordan's participation in PRIMA, a joint programme aimed at fostering research and innovation in the Mediterranean region.
The procedural steps leading to this adoption have been completed over the past two years. The European Commission submitted the proposal for signing and conclusion on 19 July 2024. The Council approved the signing on 5 November 2024, and the agreement was signed on 7 July 2025. The European Parliament gave its consent on 17 December 2025. The Permanent Representatives Committee will now recommend adoption as an 'A' item at a forthcoming Council meeting, meaning the decision is expected to pass without debate.
Once formally adopted, Jordan will become a full participant in PRIMA, which funds collaborative research projects on water, farming, and food systems in the Mediterranean. The partnership involves EU member states and Mediterranean partner countries, aiming to address shared challenges through joint research. For Jordan, participation opens access to EU research networks and funding, while for the EU, it strengthens scientific cooperation with a key regional partner. The decision is expected to have a moderate impact on research stakeholders in both the EU and Jordan, particularly universities, research institutes, and small and medium-sized enterprises active in Mediterranean research areas.