EU and Jordan discuss expanding university research cooperation under Horizon Europe

The European Union and Jordan are exploring ways to expand research collaboration between universities and research institutions, with a focus on energy, healthcare, climate and digital technology.

More than 150 researchers, university leaders, innovators, business representatives, government officials and European diplomats attended a meeting titled 'Jordan–EU: Innovating Together' in Amman on Oct 28. The event was organised by the EU Delegation and Jordan's Higher Council for Science and Technology.

Discussions centred on Jordan's participation in Horizon Europe, the European Union's main research and innovation funding programme. The programme supports collaborative projects involving universities, research centres and companies from Jordan and Europe.

Jordanian institutions can use the programme to develop international research partnerships, participate in joint projects and access research infrastructure, Jordan's Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Azmi Mahafzah, said.

Existing research cooperation framework

EU-Jordan scientific cooperation is based on an agreement signed in 2009. It was strengthened in 2025 through the EU-Jordan Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, which commits both sides to increasing Jordan's participation in European research and innovation programmes, including Horizon Europe.

At the Amman meeting, participants discussed practical steps for Jordanian institutions seeking to join Horizon Europe projects. These included forming consortia with European partners and understanding the process of participating in collaborative research.

EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas also highlighted the role of European academic programmes in supporting mobility. He said thousands of young Jordanians had studied in Europe through Erasmus+, the EU programme for education and training.

He described Horizon Europe as another opportunity for Jordanian researchers and students to work with European partners.

Further cooperation expected in November

The discussions also looked ahead to the Jordan-EU Investment Conference, scheduled for November 19 at the Dead Sea. The conference will focus on sectors including energy, clean technology and the digital economy.

A new EU-funded project is expected to be signed at the conference.

Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, president of the Royal Scientific Society and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Science and Peace, delivered the keynote address at the October meeting, highlighting the importance of strengthening research and innovation cooperation between Jordan and the EU.