New aid for education for refugee children in Jordan
A new €4.6 million donation to UNICEF was signed for emergency education programmes for refugee children in Jordan. While in the country, President Barroso met H.M. King Abdullah II and visited the Za'atari refugee camp.
"We have to ensure that families who have had to flee their country can live in decent conditions and that their children do not lose their right to education and to a brighter future,” said President Barroso at the announcement of a new donation to UNICEF. It means that the total EU contribution for the project will reach €10 million this year.
The European Union is fully behind Jordan's political, economic and social reforms, and its financial assistance to the country is a clear expression of that. To this end the EU has already allocated €220 million for the period 2011-2013 and has recently assigned an additional €70 million from the SPRING (Support for Partnership, Reform and Inclusive Growth) programme. A 'Good Governance and Development Contract' worth €40 million was signed on the day of the visit.
After a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Barroso in a written statement underlined Jordan's importance as partner for the EU, as a key regional actor and interlocutor in the Middle East. Both share the overarching objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity.
The leaders reviewed recent progress in Jordan’s reform process. "Once more, I had the opportunity to convey to His Majesty our firm support and encouragement to pursue with the reforms that will make democracy, the justice system and the rule of law stronger in Jordan," said the President.
President Barroso also commended Jordan for its solidarity towards Syrians who have fled the country seeking refuge. "We have seen in the last few days that the existing state of affairs is not an option. The tragic spill-over effects of the Syrian crisis to neighbouring countries could further escalate, compromising regional security. The priority is to stop the killings in Syria, end oppression and support a peaceful transition. In this context, we fully support the efforts of the United Nations-League of Arab States Joint Special Representative," said the President.
Watch video from visit to the Za’atari refugee camp and meeting with H.M. King Abdullah II