Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Ambassador of the European Union to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan since September 2023, discusses the evolving EU–Jordan partnership and its impact on people’s lives. With extensive experience in peace, security, and regional affairs across the European External Action Service, the United Nations, and EU delegations in the Middle East and Africa, he has worked on issues ranging from conflict resolution to migration and stability. The conversation explores the priorities shaping EU–Jordan relations today, the importance of youth and opportunity, and how partnerships translate into tangible impact on the ground.

• What does the EU’s partnership with Jordan look like today, and what are the key areas of cooperation that have the most direct impact on people’s lives?

The EU–Jordan partnership is long-standing and strategic. Over the past year, Jordan and the EU have advanced a new Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, launched under the auspices of His Majesty King Abdullah II and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2025. At the first EU–Jordan Summit in January 2026, leaders reviewed progress across key areas including political cooperation, security, economic resilience, trade and investment, human capital, and migration and refugee support.

EU–Jordan cooperation supports jobs, education, renewable energy, water security, digital innovation, and refugee support through sustained partnerships and community-focused programmes. The partnership is also expanding investment and trade, with Jordan set to host the first Jordan–EU Investment Conference in 2026, focusing on sectors such as green energy, ICT, and transport. Key initiatives include solar energy and water projects, youth skills programmes, support for SMEs and start-ups, women’s economic empowerment, digital public services, and cultural and heritage initiatives that promote tourism and intercultural dialogue. At its core, our partnership is about opportunity, resilience, and improving daily life for all in Jordan.

• Europe Day marks a moment of reflection on peace and unity. What does this date mean in the context of EU-Jordan relations, and why is it relevant for young people in the region?

Europe Day is a moment of reflection on peace, unity, and solidarity, values at the heart of the EU and of our partnership with Jordan. Celebrating Europe Day in the framework of EU–Jordan relations, is a reminder that our cooperation is above all about people and our long story of friendship.

This year, Europe Day takes place in a challenging regional and global context, where the wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine are testing these values and endangering global stability.  Only a strong partnership underpinned by a shared commitment to international law can help us tackle those threats and salvage the idea of a rules-based international order. 

Europe Day is also a time when we celebrate our achievements.

For youth in Jordan and across the region, cooperation with the European Union creates concrete opportunities through programmes such as Erasmus+, EDU-SYRIA, TVET initiatives, and networks like EU JEEL Connect and Media Connect, which strengthen skills, employability, media engagement, and civic participation. Young people are not only beneficiaries of this cooperation, but key partners and ambassadors for change, inclusion, and dialogue, reflecting the spirit of Europe Day and the shared belief that investing in youth means investing in a more stable and prosperous future.

• If you could speak directly to young people in Jordan, what would you want them to know about the EU, and what message of encouragement would you share?

You are at the centre of our partnership.The European Union sees you as partners in shaping the future, not as spectators. Our partnership with Jordan is built on listening, dialogue, and working together to turn ideas into opportunity.

We use every opportunity to meet and engage with you through universities, youth forums, and cultural and media platforms because your perspectives matter in shaping our cooperation. What stands out from these conversations is your resilience and determination to create opportunities despite a challenging national and international context, and that spirit is exactly why the EU continues to invest in Jordan’s youth as drivers of change, innovation, and stability.

My message to you: keep engaging with us, and keep challenging us. The European Union in Jordan is here to listen and to work with you, your leaders, your Government, your elected representatives, your officials, your experts and all Jordanians. Thank you for your friendship.