11/9/2025 -  Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina  Toukan convened with Gelsomina Vigliotti, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), accompanied by her delegation, during an official visit to the Kingdom. The meeting served to advance bilateral cooperation between Jordan and the Bank, and to explore the EIB’s role in supporting and implementing projects under the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Jordan and the European Union.

Discussions centred on the Bank’s existing portfolio in Jordan and the progress of ongoing projects, particularly in the sectors of water, sanitation, and private sector development. The dialogue also addressed priority initiatives aligned with the Economic Modernisation Vision, with emphasis on energy, water, education, and financial services.

Minister Toukan reaffirmed the strategic importance of the EIB, widely regarded as the financial arm of the European Union and a key development partner to Jordan in facilitating the implementation of high-priority development projects. She underscored the value of the Bank’s support through concessional loans, investment grants, and technical assistance, which have enabled financing across critical sectors including water, sanitation, energy, healthcare, and education. The Minister also highlighted the Bank’s contribution to private sector growth, notably through financing Jordanian banks to extend intermediary lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She expressed particular appreciation for the EIB’s commitment to the National Carrier Project, which aims to desalinate and transport water from Aqaba to Amman.

For her part, Ms. Vigliotti remarked that “the progress we are witnessing is indeed encouraging and reflects the fruitful partnership between Jordan and the European Investment Bank. The Bank remains committed to expanding its cooperation with the Kingdom across multiple sectors, including water and energy, as well as supporting investment-driven projects.”

Also in attendance was Ms. Souad Al-Farsi, Head of the EIB’s Representative Office in Amman.

Between 2014 and 2024, the EIB’s portfolio in Jordan has grown to approximately €2.25 billion, encompassing both public and private sector projects. These investments have been primarily concentrated in water, health, energy, and service sectors, alongside lending to enterprises and local commercial banks to bolster micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.