52011PC0153

[pic] | EUROPEAN COMMISSION |

Brussels, 19.4.2011

COM(2011) 153 final

2011/0069 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

of

on the position to be adopted by the European Union and its Member States within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The European Community and Jordan first established contractual relations in 1977 by signing a Cooperation Agreement. Both the 1997 Association Agreement (which entered into force in May 2002) and the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan, adopted in 2005, contributed significantly in developing the bilateral relations. The European Union and Jordan have progressively built over the years a strong and constructive partnership which is now about to enter into a new phase.

In its Conclusions adopted in December 2008 on the “Strengthening of the European Union’s bilateral relations with its Mediterranean partners”, following the interest expressed by Jordan for a stronger partnership with the European Union, the EU welcomed the prospects for reinforced relations and confirmed its willingness to work actively with Jordan towards agreeing on a new ENP Action Plan which will reflect the ambitious character of our partnership.

In the Communication to the Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy, published in April 2009, the Commission underlined that upgrading relations with any ENP country would institutionalise and increase political exchanges, intensify the country’s participation in the EU economic area, and bring about a significant degree of integration in various policy areas.

At the eighth Association Council meeting on 16 November 2009 the European Union and Jordan decided to enhance the level and intensity of their relations. During the same meeting, the Commission was tasked through the existing structure of subcommittees to examine the content and scope for enhancing relations between Jordan and the EU.

In this context, the Commission, in cooperation with the Presidency, negotiated with Jordan a draft new ENP Action Plan with a timeframe of five years. Its implementation will help fulfil the provisions in the Association Agreement and will contribute to an increasingly close relationship with Jordan, involving a significant degree of economic integration and a deepening of political co-operation. Implementation of the Action Plan will significantly advance the approximation of Jordan’s legislation, norms and standards to those of the European Union.

Moving towards an “advanced status” partnership stems from the common objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity and based on the core values the EU and Jordan share, i.e. democratic principles including the rule of law and the respect for human rights. This new ENP Action Plan gives concrete substance to the “advanced status” partnership.

Jordan has taken bold steps on the path of good governance and political reform; it has shown readiness to make further commitments in the field of democratization, human rights and the rule of law.

In the course of the recent EU-Jordan Association Council which took place on 26 th October 2010, the parties took note of the conclusion of the technical negotiations for a new joint EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan.

The ENP Action Plan will thus remain an essential reference tool that will guide our bilateral relations with Jordan in the coming years. The ENP will continue to play a catalyst role as a single policy framework, based inter alia on partnership and joint ownership, as well as performance-driven differentiation and tailor-made assistance.

The Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be taken by the European Union and its Member States within the EU-Jordan Association Council with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the Action Plan in annex.

The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council Decision.

2011/0069 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

of

on the position to be adopted by the European Union and its Member States within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to Article 2 (1) of the Council and Commission Decision 2002/357/EC, ECSC of 26 March 2002 on the conclusion of a Euro-Mediterranean Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part;

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;

Whereas:

1. The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, was signed on 24 November 1997 and entered into force on 1 May 2002;

2. The Parties agree on the EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan, which reflects the “advanced status” partnership, and which will support the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement through the elaboration and agreement of concrete steps towards attainment of its objectives.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The position to be adopted by the European Union and its Member States within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, with regard to the implementation of the EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan shall be based on the draft Recommendation of the Association Council annexed to this Decision.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

ANNEX

Draft

RECOMMENDATION

on the implementation of the EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan

The EU/Jordan Association Council,

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, and in particular Article 91 thereof,

Whereas:

3. Article 91 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement gives the Association Council the power to make appropriate recommendations, for the purposes of attaining the objectives of the Agreement.

4. In terms of Article 101 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, the Parties shall take any general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained.

5. The Parties to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan.

6. The EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan will support the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement through the elaboration and agreement between the Parties of concrete steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation.

7. The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out concrete steps in bringing the fulfilment of the Parties’ obligations set out in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, and of providing a broader framework for further strengthening EU-Jordan relations to involve a significant measure of economic integration and a deepening of political cooperation, in accordance with the overall objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:

Sole Article

The Association Council recommends that the Parties implement the EU-Jordan ENP Action Plan in annex, insofar as such implementation is directed towards attainment of the objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.

Done at [...]

For the Association Council

The President

ANNEX

EU/JORDAN ENP ACTION PLAN

INTRODUCTION

Jordan has been a frontrunner among the Mediterranean partners to embark on new association ties with the EU. The European Community and Jordan first established contractual relations in 1977 by signing a Cooperation Agreement. Both the 1997 Association Agreement (which entered into force in May 2002) and the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan, adopted in 2005, contributed significantly in developing the bilateral relations. These are three milestones in our bilateral relations each one of them marking a clear step forward in the process of strengthening ties.

The European Union and Jordan have progressively built over the years a strong and constructive partnership which is now about to enter into a new phase.

Moving towards an “advanced status” relationship stems from the common objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity and based on the core values the EU and Jordan share, i.e. democratic principles including the rule of law and the respect for human rights. This new Action Plan gives concrete substance to the “advanced status” partnership.

The ENP will continue to play a catalyst role as a single policy framework, based inter alia on partnership and joint ownership, as well as performance-driven differentiation and tailor-made assistance.

In its Conclusions adopted in December 2008 on the “Strengthening of the European Union’s bilateral relations with its Mediterranean partners”, following the interest expressed by Jordan for a stronger partnership with the European Union, the EU welcomed the prospects for reinforced relations and confirmed its willingness to work actively with Jordan towards agreeing on a new ENP Action Plan.

At the eighth Association Council meeting on 16 November 2009 the European Union and Jordan decided to enhance the level and intensity of their relations.

Jordan has taken bold steps on the path of good governance and political reform; it has shown readiness to take further commitments in the field of democratization, human rights and the rule of law.

The progress towards good governance and political reform constitute core elements for the development of enhanced relations with the EU. A stronger relationship requires enhanced commitments in all areas of the relationship, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The EU will continue to work with Jordan on the implementation of these commitments.

People-to-people contacts represent a means to promote mutual understanding as well as business, civil society and cultural ties. In this respect, in its Conclusions of 26th July 2010, the EU acknowledged that “bearing in mind the importance of a secure environment, the EU stands ready to promote well-managed mobility of citizens of Eastern Partnership and Mediterranean partners.”

The EU acknowledges the need to accompany market opening, economic integration and regulatory convergence as well as the process of strengthening bilateral relations, with appropriate financial support, technical assistance and capacity building through the ENPI.

The EU looks forward to strengthening co-operation within the ENP Action Plan framework and the fulfilment of the commitments of the new ENP Action Plan will contribute to future deepening and broadening of EU/Jordan relations through intensified political dialogue, including on human rights and democracy, and also entail co-operation in a number of sectors. This ENP Action Plan will thus remain the essential reference tool that will guide the EU-Jordan relations over the next years.

The level of ambition of the EU-Jordan relationship will depend on the degree of commitment to common values as well as the mutual interests and the capacity of each party to implement jointly agreed priorities. The pace of progress towards implementing the agreed objectives will acknowledge fully the efforts and concrete progress achieved.

This Action Plan will cover a timeframe of five years.

“Advanced status” partnership perspectives

The “advanced status” partnership will enhance the opportunities for Jordan to participate in a number of European and ENP-specific initiatives:

- A reinforcement in the scope and intensity of political co-operation at all levels and with increased frequency.

- Moving beyond co-operation to a significant degree of integration, and the possibility for Jordan to participate progressively in key aspects of EU policies and programmes.

- The opportunity to explore the possibility of approximation of economic legislation, the opening of economies to each other, and the continued reduction of trade barriers which will stimulate investment and growth.

- Where the need to align Jordanian legislation with EU norms and standards in certain areas has been identified and agreed upon, targeted support and advice will be made available through twinning arrangements and TAIEX, funded under the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument.

- Gradual opening and/or reinforced participation in relevant European Union programmes, promoting, inter alia, industrial, cultural, civil society, scientific, and educational links, following the conclusion of a framework agreement

- Reinforce the cooperation with the European agencies, including in the context of their regional activities.

The Association Agreement remains the framework for cooperation while the AP represents a declaration of mutual objectives and commitments.

Key priorities for Action

This Action Plan sets out a comprehensive set of priorities in areas within the scope of the Association Agreement and beyond. Among these priorities, particular attention should be given to:

- Pursue the consolidation of the institutions safeguarding democracy and the rule of law;

- Continue to ensure the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with international standards and promoting the implementation of international human rights standards;

- Further enhance the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and its administrative capacity;

- Pursue ensuring freedom of expression and media, assembly, and association;

- Further promote equal treatment of women and protection of children;

- Reinforce the EU-Jordan political dialogue and cooperation on foreign and security policy in a range of areas including the Middle East Peace Process, non proliferation, and disarmament;

- Deepening of economic and trade relations via a progressive liberalisation in services and the right of establishment, promotion and increase of investments, facilitation of market access and improvement of business climate;

- Enhance Jordan's export potential by further liberalisation of trade, in goods, and agriculture, simplifying and upgrading customs legislation and procedures, improving industrial standards, modernising sanitary and phytosanitary services;

- Further develop the transport and energy sectors and its networks through sector liberalisation, investment in infrastructure and interconnection with EU networks;

- Take forward measures to promote environmental governance and address water and climate change challenges;

- Deepen cooperation on science and technology by developing the great potential offered in the area of R&D.

A. POLITICAL DIMENSION

I. Political dialogue and cooperation

(1) Enhanced political and strategic dialogue and cooperation on foreign and security policy

The EU and Jordan are committed to achieve closer political cooperation and dialogue on the basis of their shared values: the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and good governance.

The enhanced political dialogue and cooperation will take place at different levels and in the framework of different fora:

- The EU and Jordan will hold a summit, on an ad-hoc basis, reflecting the specific nature of their partnership and the importance they attach to their relations;

- Meetings, on an ad-hoc basis, between the Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and his European counterparts;

- Jordanian sectoral ministers will also be able to engage in consultations, with their relevant European counterparts, on an ad-hoc-basis, in the margin of the regular meetings of the EU Council of Ministers;

- Develop an enhanced political dialogue and regular exchange of information on Common Foreign Security and Defence Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP);

- Senior Jordanian officials, official representatives or leading figures from the academic and research communities, might be invited, on an ad-hoc-basis, to EU Council working groups’ meetings;

- Further develop the political dialogue between the European Parliament and the Jordanian Parliament;

- Jordan is invited to align itself, on a case-by-case basis, with relevant EU CFSP declarations;

(2) Increased cooperation in the multilateral framework

- Promote initiatives on jointly agreed priorities in the United Nations’ framework or in any other relevant international forum, as a way to promote effective multilateralism;

- Cooperate to reinforcing global governance with the aim to enhance the efficiency of multilateral institutions;

- Establish informal consultation mechanism in view of key meetings in the UN context (such as the Human Rights Council, climate change-related matters, etc.);

- Contribute to UN efforts to resolve regional conflicts and promote effective multilateralism;

(3) Reinforced dialogue and cooperation on conflict prevention and crisis management

- Reinforce the cooperation and dialogue in the framework of CSDP and establish contact points;

- Explore the possibility to conclude a framework agreement on the security procedures for exchanging classified information between Jordan and the EU;

- Participate in training activities on conflict prevention, crisis and natural disaster management;

- Explore the possibility of Jordan’s participation in civil and military peace–keeping exercises and UN approved operations led by the EU;

- Further develop Jordan’s participation in the OSCE Mediterranean Partnership;

(4) Deepen the cooperation in addressing common security threats, including non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and illegal arms exports

- Improve overall co-ordination in the non-proliferation area and examine specific threats related to WMD which undermine regional security and the scope of cooperation in addressing them;

- Enhance dialogue on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and ballistic missiles, including through:

- Continue implementing UNSC resolution 1540/04

- ensuring full compliance with and national implementation of existing international obligations and

- promoting the accession to and implementation of other relevant international instruments and export control regimes;

- Co-operate on developing effective systems of national export control, controlling export and transit of WMD related goods, including WMD end-use control on dual use goods and technologies, and effective sanctions for breaches of export controls;

- Apply the risk – based customs control ensuring safety and security of goods imported, exported or in transit, and explore possible definitions of standards for certification of operator (exporters and transporters) intervening in commercial exchanges;

- Further develop cooperation in the field of fight against illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons;

- Increase cooperation in appropriate fora with a view to fully implementing all the actions on the three pillars of the NPT as agreed by the 2010 NPT Review Conference and proposals on the establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear and other Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery; and to advancing the universality of commitment to non-proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery;

- Work towards a success, inter alia through the participation of all states, of the proposed 2012 Conference on the Middle East Zone Free of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery, in line with the outcome and results of the 2010 NPT Review Conference;

(5) Cooperation in the civil protection area

- Pursue the regional cooperation on prevention, preparedness and response to natural and man-made disasters.

- Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) of the Community Civil Protection Mechanism.

II. Democracy, the rule of law and good governance

(6) Consolidating the institutions safeguarding democracy and the rule of law

- Organisation of fair and transparent parliamentary and local elections in accordance with international treaties to which Jordan is a party;

- Take the necessary steps conducive to the empowerment of political parties, including through reviewing of relevant legislation;

- Establish an independent national commission supervising the electoral process;

- Further increase awareness-raising among voters to participate in the political process;

- Adoption of a legal framework for national elections observation;

- Support inclusive and democratic approaches ensuring increased public participation in the decision-making process, including through public consultations;

- Strengthen the responsibility of the government before the Parliament in line with the Jordanian Constitution;

- Enhance Jordan-EU cooperation in the field of Parliament empowerment;

- Strengthen National Centre for Human Rights’ financial sustainability and operational independence.

- Continue to ensure the financial and operational sustainability of “Diwan Al Mathalem” ( Ombudsman’s office );

- Develop cooperation between “Diwan Al Mathalem” and the European Ombudsman, including by exchange of best practices;

- Further promote active engagement of civil society in decision-making at all levels.

- Pursue political, administrative and financial decentralization fostering citizen participation in the local decision-making process and strengthening public accountability and transparency;

- Ensure that adequate financial resources are allocated to undertake assigned functions and relevant administration is adequately staffed.

(7) Continuing enhancing the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, upgrade its quality and strengthen its administrative capacity

- Pursue the implementation of the Judicial Upgrade Strategy (JUST 2010-2012) to enhance effectiveness and independence of the judiciary, including judicial training and the modernization of Jordan’s court system;

- Enhance the capacity and the independence of the Judicial Council;

- Ensure the functioning of the State Security Court and other special courts in full conformity with international standards for courts of law, including fair trial, by building on Jordan’s on-going efforts;

- Ensure judicial oversight of administrative procedure and citizens’ guarantees as parties to administrative procedure, including reviewing relevant legislation;

- Review competence of the State Security Court with a view to reducing the scope of offences it deals with.

III. Human rights and fundamental freedoms

(8) Ensuring the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with international standards and promoting the implementation of international human rights standards

- Take the necessary measures to ensure the effective implementation of international human rights commitments, including those adopted by Jordan in the framework of the Universal Periodic Review;

- Work towards joining the optional protocols related to international conventions on human rights, including by establishing awareness campaigns that pave the way for such accession;

- Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, when it enters into force;

- Enhance cooperation with the EU in promoting the universality of the Rome Statute in the joint endeavour of an effective and universal system of international criminal justice;

- Continue to develop human rights and fundamental freedoms’ awareness among citizens, as well as among judges, prosecutors, members of parliament, including through education, training and public campaigns;

- Strengthening effective protection of human rights by increasing the dialogue with human rights defenders and by maintaining regular contacts with civil society organisations;

- Engage in a dialogue with a view to becoming party to the Council of Europe Conventions open to third countries.

(9) Death penalty

- Recognising the current moratorium on death penalty in Jordan, continue to decrease the number of crimes punishable by death penalty.

(10) Combating torture and inhuman and degrading treatment

- Strengthen effective application of the existing regulatory framework against torture and ill-treatment and adopt international best practices, inter alia, by following-up the recommendations of the Committee against torture adopted in May 2010.

- Strengthen the existing complaints mechanism to ensure that all torture and ill-treatment allegations are properly investigated and those responsible are prosecuted and the victims compensated.

- Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

- Take appropriate measures to improve the legal basis and practice in order to limit administrative detention.

- Continue systematic and effective monitoring and inspection of all places of detention.

(11) Ensuring freedom of expression, assembly and association

- Enhance the quality and independence of the media.

- Promote freedom of expression by taking the necessary measures to avoid abuse of the slander provisions of the Penal Code and further decriminalise press offences.

- Further strengthen legal provisions and practices on freedom of assembly and association in compliance with international standards and in particular with the right to the freedom of association enshrined in the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

- Promote the development of independent media and discourage self-censorship.

(12) Ensuring freedom of religion or belief

- Continue ensuring freedom of religion or belief in compliance with the Jordanian Constitution and international standards.

- Strengthen existing measures against intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.

(13) Promoting equal treatment of women

- Promote equal participation of women in social, economic, political and cultural life.

- Consider lifting the remaining reservations under the UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

- Promote gender equality by reviewing all legislation that discriminates against women, in conformity with the constitutional principle of equality.

- Implement the commitments on strengthening the role of women in society approved by Jordan at the Union for the Mediterranean second Ministerial Conference in November 2009 (Marrakesh).

- Ensure the integration of gender mainstreaming in national policies strategies and plans.

- Continue to combat violence against women as stipulated in the “Family Protection Law”, Penal Code and the new “Personal Status Law”.

- Further ensure that women and girls who are victims of violence have access to immediate means of redress and protection, and that perpetrators are prosecuted.

- Increase the number of home-shelters for women at risk of violence.

- Undertake public awareness campaigns against domestic violence, including through media.

- Increase efforts to eradicate so-called “honour crimes”.

(14) Enhancing protection of children

- Work towards elimination of child labour, in line with the Labour Code in order to protect children from economic exploitation through labour in the informal sector.

- Work towards the completion of the Child Rights Act, in compliance with international standards.

- Continue to review all legislation concerning children to ensure compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other relevant international human rights instruments and standards.

- Strengthen the role of the National Council of Family Affairs in charge of ensuring the implementation of the CRC.

- Strengthen measures taken against violence on children, including by capacity building, reporting mechanisms and data collection.

- Support local civil society working in the field of the rights of the Child.

(15) Combating racism and xenophobia; fight against discrimination

- Strengthen the legal framework at all levels to combat racism, xenophobia and discrimination.

- Continue promoting the importance of tolerance and respect for all ethnic and religious groups through education in compliance with relevant international standards and the “Amman Message”.

- Combat hate crimes, including cases motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and Christianophobia and other beliefs, which can be fuelled by racist and xenophobic propaganda in the media and on the Internet.

IV. Cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs

(16) Migration, asylum, border management and visa issues

- Exchange of information and dialogue on relevant developments in EU and Jordan in the field of migration.

- Cooperation in managing migration flows, including by developing the capacity of Jordan authorities to provide assistance to migrants belonging to vulnerable categories, in need of international protection, and to victims of trafficking in human beings.

- Exchange of information and dialogue on relevant developments in EU and Jordan in the field of border management.

- Cooperation aimed at preventing irregular migration and related cross border crime, including by promoting the enhancement of the border control capacities of Jordan authorities.

- Promote exchange of information and further dialogue and cooperation on relevant developments in EU and Jordan in the field of visas, such as the Community Code on Visas (Visa Code), and take steps to ensure conditions necessary for the issuance of visas, including for students and business people, within relevant EU legislation and Schengen acquis.

- Cooperation in view of enhancing the Jordan visa and travel documents issuing procedures and security features.

- Exchange of information and dialogue on relevant developments in EU and Jordan in the field of international protection.

- Exchange of information and cooperation regarding migrants in need of international protection in Jordan and assistance needed.

(17) Fight against organised crime

Ratification and implementation of international instruments

- Pursue dialogue on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocol on the trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Signature and ratification of the Protocols on the smuggling of migrants and the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms.

- Pursue dialogue on the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.

- Cooperation on the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption.

- Strengthen and implement national policies aimed at fighting corruption in line with international standards in particular through the Anti-Corruption Commission

- Develop legislation in line with relevant international standards and international conventions.

- Exchange information on the methods to fight against the trafficking of persons, and smuggling of irregular migrants including best practices on the rehabilitation of victims.

- Engage in a dialogue with a view to accede to the Council of Europe Convention on Cyber-Crime and its Additional Protocol.

- Exchange of information and best practices in the fight against cybercrime.

- Engage in a dialogue with a view to accede to the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and its Additional Protocol.

- Develop effective law enforcement agencies for the fight against organised crime.

- Nominate a EUROJUST contact point.

(18) Cooperation in civil and commercial law

Ratification and implementation of relevant international instruments

Engage in a dialogue with a view to accede to the:

- 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

- 1996 Convention on Parental Responsibility and the Protection of Children.

- 1965 Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters.

- 1970 Hague Convention on Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters.

- Further strengthen the dialogue on international child protection and family law issues in the context of Jordan’s participation in the Judicial Conference on Cross-Frontier Family Issues, the ‘Malta Process’.

(19) Drugs

Reinforce the fight against drugs

- Pursue information exchange on the implementation of the 1988 UN Convention on Illicit Traffic of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances, including on reinforcing and/or harmonising national legislation.

- Exchange information and best practices on international cooperation in the fight against drugs.

- Pursue dialogue on regional cooperation including training of relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies.

- Prevention of the diversion of precursors and other essential substances to the production of illicit narcotic drugs equivalent to those adopted by the Chemical Action Task Force (CATF).

(20) Financial and economic crime, judicial and law enforcement, penitentiary system

a) Develop cooperation in the fight against money laundering

- Exchange information, best practices and dialogue on the institutional and legislative framework in accordance with relevant international standards and international conventions.

- Pursuit of cooperation between Jordanian law enforcement agencies including the Anti-Money Laundering unit and international organisations as well as with corresponding services of EU Member States.

- Exchange of information and dialogue concerning best judicial and police practice in the fight against money laundering, financial and economic crime.

b) Develop cooperation between Jordan and EU Member States judicial and law enforcement authorities

- Implement relevant international conventions and, where already ratified, development of national legislation for their implementation.

- Exchange of information between EU, EU Member States and Jordan including on matters related to the International Criminal Court.

- Cooperation in the field of police training between Jordanian and European police academies and colleges, as well as with CEPOL.

- Explore the possibilities for cooperation between Jordan and EUROPOL (European Police Office).

c) Develop adequate correctional centres (prisons) conditions

- Pursue the exchange of information and best practices between the EU and Jordan on correctional centres and detention facilities (prisons) including classification systems for prisoners, development of vocational training programmes and social reintegration and anti-recidivism measures

- Pursue the improvements in conditions within correctional centres and detention facilities (prisons) including the enhancement of detention facilities having regard to the protection of fundamental human rights.

- Application of international standards and norms with regard to juvenile justice and detention, notably the 1985 UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules) and the 1990 UN Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (Riyadh Guidelines).

(21) Combating terrorism

Strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism

- Develop cooperation to strengthen the fight against the financing of terrorism in line with the standards laid down in the FATF recommendations on terrorism financing.

- Develop cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism.

- Develop judicial cooperation in the context of combating terrorism.

- Co-operate to reinforce the role of the UN in the multilateral fight against terrorism, including through full implementation of UNSC Resolutions 1267/99 and1373/01, and implementation and enforcement of the UN global counter-terrorism strategy and the UN counter-terrorism conventions.

- Ensure respect of human rights in the fight against terrorism.

B. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DIMENSION

V. Economic and Social Reform and development

(22) Monetary, exchange rate and fiscal policies

Consolidate progress in macro-economic stabilisation and growth policies.

- Pursue the implementation of a national macroeconomic stabilisation programme, taking into account the regional situation, with the aim to consolidate the achievements in the areas of price stability, lowering public debt and the fiscal deficit, and promote sustainable public finances.

- Continue improving public finance management and transparency; continue the policies for achieving a sustainable fiscal and pension system.

- Increase efficiency of the public sector in line with the Government programme of reform.

VI. Cooperation in the field of equal opportunities, employment, social policy

(23) Gender equality/ensuring equal treatment

- Further strengthen efforts to promote and protect women’s and children’s rights.

- Intensify efforts to promote gender equality at all levels in employment, education, training, decision-making and practices of law enforcement agencies.

- Effectively combat gender-based stereotyping and discrimination including through training and raising awareness.

(24) Ensuring respect for trade unions rights and core labour standards

- Continue efforts to develop a dialogue on fundamental social rights and labour standards.

- Continue efforts to approximate the Labour Law to international standards, in particular as regards freedom of assembly, the right to organise and collective bargaining.

- Step up efforts to reduce informal employment.

- Promote tripartite and bilateral social dialogue and further develop the capacity building of social partners.

(25) Cooperation in the field of employment and promotion of decent work

- Develop a strategic approach to employment in order to:

- Improve matching of skills and demands on the Jordanian labour market and improving efficiency of the labour market with particular consideration of youth and women.

- Reinforce, generalize and better evaluate measures for the development of employment and active labour market policy.

- Strengthen the capacity and the efficiency of public employment services.

- Promote decent work and the transformation of the informal sector into formal work.

- Implement the mutually agreed upon decent work country programmes between Jordan and the ILO.

- Promote “flexicurity” principles and ensure the employability of job seekers.

- Continue work towards an inclusive, non-discriminatory national labour market, in particular as regards better integration of people with disabilities in the labour market.

- Exchange best practices to enhance health and safety at work.

(26) Cooperation in the field of social inclusion and social protection

- Step up efforts to significantly reduce poverty and social exclusion, in particular among the most vulnerable, and to enhance social cohesion throughout Jordan.

- Continue work towards the adoption of a full-fledge social security law and adequate social safety nets.

- Continue work towards the adoption of a sustainable pension system.

- Exchange best practices on improving the effectiveness of social protection with a view to enhancing both its social adequacy and financial sustainability.

VII. Sustainable Development

(27) Promotion of sustainable development

- Continue to implement sustainable development policies resulting in strategies and initiatives designed to achieve inter alia environmentally sustainable economic development and greater social inclusion.

VIII. Agriculture

- Identify and adopt accompanying measures providing for the structural, institutional, legal and administrative support necessary in order to ease access to export markets, including approximation of technical legislation.

- Identify and adopt measures and appropriate legislation in the sector of rural development, and at the level of the development of quality production, i.e. local products, organic products, geographical indications/denominations of origin, etc. with the aim of encouraging the diversification of activity and the creation of new remunerative and sustainable trade flows.

- Institutional strengthening of the National Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension

- Support the role of the research Centre in improving the productivity, food safety and quality of agricultural and processed agricultural products

- Establish bilateral cooperation with European Research Centres, particularly in the areas of genetic engineering and biotechnology

- Increase cooperation in the field of international marketing standards for fruits and vegetables, and for other agricultural and processed agricultural products

- Promote equivalence schemes of certification for organic products and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

- Develop measures to encourage private investment.

- Promote the distribution and exchange of information on the agricultural policies and contribute to the transfer of expertise and experience

- Increase cooperation in the field of forestry related issues including on climate changes, reforestation, combating desertification, risk assessment and fires control and biodiversity conservation based on the experience of the EU forest Action Plan.

IX. Fisheries and maritime policy

- Undertake necessary marketing infrastructure upgrading to cope with market demands and standards.

- Promote a responsible and sustainable fishery policy and an integrated approach to maritime affairs in order to facilitate dialogue with the EU within the framework of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy and in accordance with the international law of the sea, as reflected in UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea).

- Take part in regional cooperation on integrated maritime policy.

X. Trade related issues, market and regulatory reform

Jordan and the EU are committed to the implementation of the Euro-Med Trade Roadmap beyond 2010 and of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise which are being used as common reference documents by the Mediterranean partner countries to deepen economic and trade relations, promote and increase investments, facilitate market access, improve the business climate and spur entrepreneurship at country-level and across the whole region.

X.i. Movement of goods

(28) Bilateral trade relations

- Eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade, e.g. through regulatory convergence on trade-related matters, ad-hoc discussions, as appropriate, on market-access issues and through preparations for the negotiation of the ACAA as well as for the future negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

- Launch in 2010 and conclude as soon as possible bilateral negotiations on the liberalization of services and the right of establishment, aiming for progressive and reciprocal commitments in all four modes of supply as well as including regulatory provisions.

- Implement the agreed results of liberalization of trade in agricultural and processed agricultural products between Jordan and the EU.

- Examine the possibility for further liberalization of trade in agricultural, processed agricultural, fish and fisheries products, while addressing both tariff and non tariff obstacles to trade, including sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, and protection of geographical indications, in line with the principles of the Rabat Euro-Mediterranean Roadmap for Agriculture.

- Prepare for future bilateral negotiations with the EU with a view to turning the existing Association Agreement into a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. Such negotiations would include upgrading or completing the EU-Jordan Association Agreement in regulatory areas such as standards and technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, intellectual property rights, competition policy, public procurement, customs and trade facilitation, trade and sustainable development etc. The launch of the negotiations would depend on the substantial progress made in other bilateral negotiations. In the meantime both sides can explore the common objectives to be reached in these negotiations.

(29) Elimination of restrictions (EU non-harmonised area)

Facilitate movement of goods and enhance administrative cooperation

- Reinforce the contact points for circulation of goods which aims to facilitate their free movement and exchange of information between the EU and Jordan and among economic operators.

- Analyse the Jordanian legislation on labelling, composition, manufacturing and description of products in the view of approximating with the existing EU general principles.

(30) Agreements on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products in selected industrial sectors

- Continue the preparations for the negotiation of an ACAA for Jordan to participate in the EU internal market, through adoption of EU legislation and adaptation of the Jordanian institutions in charge of implementing product legislation. This includes:

A. Harmonise and implement the relevant legislative framework with the EU acquis, sectoral and horizontal, including the legislation on liability for defective products and general product safety; harmonise national standards with European and international standards for industrial products in the selected priority sectors.

B. Strengthen and upgrade the institutions in charge of standardisation, accreditation, conformity assessment, metrology and market surveillance to the level of the corresponding institutions in the EU; integrate them to the extent possible within European and international structures.

C. Align with the testing requirements of EU Directives for the selected priority sectors.

- Raise the awareness of economic operators and train the various stakeholders.

- Negotiate an Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA) for all priority sectors.

(31) Facilitate market access of industrial products through Export Promotion

- Develop and implement a national strategy for export promotion, in line with the national foreign trade strategy.

- Build capacity of economic operators and relevant national administration.

(32) Regional cooperation

- Participate in the implementation of the Agadir Agreement in all the areas currently covered by it; work towards expanding its scope to new areas such as services and investment and encourage the new memberships in the Agreement.

- Jointly work in the implementation of the Euro-Med Trade Roadmap beyond 2010, particularly on completing and reinforcing the network of free trade agreements in the Euro-Mediterranean region and on putting in place the initiatives to strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean trade partnership.

- Actively participate in Euro-Mediterranean industrial cooperation activities at the regional level.

(33) Customs

Improve functioning of customs service, simplification and modernisation of customs procedures, and revision of rules of origin

- Further harmonisation and simplification of customs legislation, code and procedures in accordance with Palermo recommendations.

- Continue to strengthen cooperation with other agencies working at the border.

- Finalise the works for the conclusion of the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin, and its implementation.

- Participation in the thorough revision of the Pan-Euro-Med rules of origin in the framework of the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin.

- Support the development of measures with regard to risk based customs control ensuring safety and security of goods imported, exported or in transit.

- Enhance dialogue and cooperation on existing legislation in the area of customs controls of pirated and counterfeited goods as well as on its implementation, and exchange of relevant statistics.

(34) Sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues

- Increase food safety for Jordanian and European consumers and facilitate trade through reform of the sanitary, phytosanitary and animal welfare sectors.

- Continue working on the full implementation of the WTO agreement on the application of the sanitary and phytosanitary measures and actively participate in relevant international bodies (OIE, IPPC, and Codex Alimentarius).

- Progressive approximation with EU legislation in the area of food control policy, animal health, animal welfare and phytosanitary inspection systems.

- Continue working on the implementation of the established animal identification system for traceability of live animals and their products.

- Continue working on the establishment of a national traceability system for plant production.

- Strengthen the Jordanian Food Control policy inter alia by:

- Continue working on the adoption of the Jordanian draft Food Law.

- Reinforcing regulations to fully implement the Jordanian food law.

- Cooperating on the establishment of a National Residues Monitoring programme within the Jordanian food control policy of the Jordanian Food and Drugs Authority and laboratories and other relevant agencies.

- Cooperating on the establishment of a meat safety inspection system in slaughterhouses and meat processing establishments.

- Cooperate in the context of the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

X.ii. Right of establishment, Company law and services

(35) Establishment and company law

Remove obstacles to the establishment and operation of companies

a) Establishment

- Co-operate to facilitate the establishment of companies.

- Without prejudice of annexes V and VI of the Association Agreement, ensure reciprocal national treatment for EU and Jordanian subsidiaries, companies and/or branches and in line with both parties' commitment under WTO.

b) Operation of Companies

- Establish a suitable environment for companies.

- Co-operate to facilitate foreign investment.

c) Company law:

- Work towards convergence with key principles of international and EU rules and standards. Those include, inter alia:

a) the establishment and maintenance of a public register of undertakings,

b) a national gazette for the publication of companies data,

c) ensuring control of the incorporation of a company or the compatibility of certain acts with national laws and regulations.

- Adopt and implement a comprehensive regulatory framework.

- Elaborate a code of corporate governance and ensure its efficient implementation.

(36) Audit and Accounting

Develop the conditions for good financial management, accountability and control

- Implement and strengthen the application of international standards for accounting and audits including the enhancement of accountability and transparency principles.

- Modernise the regulatory and administrative framework allowing for the establishment of a high-quality audit profession.

(37) Services

Gradual abolition of restrictions on supply of services

- Launch in 2010 and conclude as soon as possible bilateral negotiations on the liberalisation of services and the right of establishment.

- Finalise and implement a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the Jordanian services sector including regulatory simplification and administrative facilitation for both Jordanian and EU service sectors.

- Continue consultations with its private economic operators to identify sectors for potential cooperation.

- Explore possibilities of facilitating the supply of services including by the development of the necessary administrative structures and the removal of identified barriers.

Development of financial services

- Further enhance the prudential regulatory framework for financial services, including banking and insurance sectors, auditing sectors and securities markets.

- Set up and train independent surveillance authorities to ensure effective supervision.

(38) Movement of capital and current payments

Further development of capital markets. Liberalisation of Payments, Capital Movements

- Review current legislation to assess the need for further liberalisation of movement of capital and to guarantee the free transaction movement of capital relating in particular to direct investment and the protection of foreign investment.

- Complete liberalisation of capital movements.

X.iii. Other key areas

(39) Taxation

Further Development of the tax system and its institutions

- Further reform the tax system.

- Strengthening of the Tax Administration. Develop a comprehensive Strategy for the Tax Administration.

- Improve international cooperation by implementing the principles of good governance in the area of taxation.

(40) Competition policy and State Aid

a) Competition policy

Develop conditions enabling competition between the EU and Jordan companies as well as among Jordanian companies.

Develop legislation and an anti-trust control regime compatible with that of the EU

- Develop an adequate legal framework for a comprehensive competition policy and its effective implementation.

- Strengthen Jordan's administrative capacities with the view of creating an independent competition authority with adequate resources.

- Take further steps to increase public awareness of the value of competition policy.

- Ensure the right of appeal to an independent court against decisions on anti-trust in accordance with national laws and regulations.

Ensure non-discrimination on the part of state monopolies of a commercial character.

- Exchange of information, insofar as this does not prejudice national security, on state monopolies and public enterprises which have been granted special rights.

b) State Aid

Development of the mechanisms to monitor state aid grants

- Establish a binding, uniform definition of State Aid which is compatible with that of the EU and a national mechanism for collecting information on state aid.

- Exchange with the EU of an annual report on the total amount and distribution of state aid, as foreseen by Article 53 of the Association Agreement.

(41) Intellectual and industrial property

Enhance protection of industrial and intellectual property rights

- Strengthen the Trade’s Industrial Property Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Take measures to reduce circulation and trafficking of counterfeit/pirated goods in specifically targeted sectors.

- Continue to accede to the main international agreements - including the conventions provided for by the Association Agreement - and apply international standards.

- Continue efforts to align with key elements from the EU acquis.

- Establish dialogue with organisations of rights holders and users of IP.

- Encourage cooperation with the European Patent office and the Community Trademarks and Designs Agency (OHIM) and enhance interaction with other Euromed partners.

(42) Public procurement

Develop conditions for open and competitive award of contracts

- Adopt and implement the new regulatory framework for public procurement, including the adoption and harmonisation of relevant by-laws and procurement related regulations.

- Improve the functioning of the current public procurement system:

a) by aligning with the key EU standards, e.g., transparency, non-discrimination, competition and access to legal recourse.

b) by strengthening the administrative capacity, as well as providing for training of economic operators and staff of relevant national authorities, including the Jordanian Public Procurement and Supplies Departments of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing and the Ministry of Finance, and the Audit bureau.

c) by improving information and awareness among contracting authorities and the business community about public procurement procedures.

- Continue to build capacity for e-procurement.

- Continue to explore opportunities for increased opening of the public procurement markets within the Euromed region.

(43) Improve the environment for enterprise development

- Modernise and improve the competitiveness of Jordanian productive sectors including industry, services and agribusinesses through the development of a Jordanian strategy for enterprise modernisation and competitiveness.

- Continue the EU-Jordan dialogue on enterprise and SME policy and continue upgrading the business climate by implementing the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for enterprise:

a) In terms of contents, pay particular attention to equal opportunities, corporate social responsibility, innovation, skills development, entrepreneurial learning, business friendly taxation, company law, environmental protection and respect of intellectual property rights.

b) In terms of process, encourage inter-ministerial coordination and coordination between all the public and private Charter stakeholders, exchange good practice with the EU and neighbour countries, and participate in the regional exercises to evaluate progress in the Charter implementation

- Continue the dialogue on the future of the textile and clothing sector.

- Exchange information on sustainable tourism.

- Mobilise local companies and investors around foreign direct investments to stimulate innovation and endogenous economic development.

(44) Promote investment in Jordan

- Develop and implement a strategy to promote domestic investment and attract foreign investment to Jordan.

- Encourage contacts between business and investment promotion agencies to identify investment opportunities and obstacles.

- Participate actively in the establishment and implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean trade and investment facilitation mechanism.

(45) Cooperation in the field of Consumer Protection

- Promote exchange of information on consumer protection including consumer legislation and its enforcement, consumer product safety, consumer information systems and tools and consumer redress.

- Joint cooperation with the view of approximation of consumer legislation with relevant EU acquis, in order to ensure a high level of consumer protection while avoiding barriers to trade.

- Exchange expertise on legislative and technical capacity to enforce legislation and market surveillance systems.

- Promote training activities to strengthen the capacity of administration officials and other consumer interest representatives.

- Encourage the development of independent consumer associations and contacts between consumer representatives.

- Encourage the education and empowerment of consumers as well as the protection of their legitimate economic interests.

(46) Statistics

Adoption of statistical methods compatible with European standards in relevant statistical areas and advance the institution building of the Jordanian Statistical System

- Implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS).

- Introduction of mechanisms for ensuring the independence/impartiality of official statistics.

- Activation of the Advisory Committee for Statistics.

- Implementation of the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) Rev.4 (2008)

- Continue to develop economic and social statistics in conformity with EU standards.

- Continue the work on water statistics and water accounts.

- Continue the work on sustainable development indicators.

- Promotion of statistical awareness, in cooperation with all public data-producing institutions.

- Continue to develop data dissemination tools and techniques

XIII. Climate change, environment, energy, transport

(47) Climate Change

- Strengthen the capacity of Jordanian institutions in charge of climate change issues.

- Implement provisions under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, including through exploring the use of carbon market opportunities.

- Cooperate in the development and establishment of a post-2012 regime on climate change.

- Establish and implement strategies and plans on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

- Establish greenhouse gas emission inventories.

- Exchange of experience and expertise with regard to implementation of policies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation action, including promotion of opportunities for transfer of technology.

- Actively promote the integration of climate change considerations in the water sector policies and strategies.

(48) Environment

a) Ensure good environmental governance

- Enhance administrative structures and procedures, including at Governorate and municipalities level, to ensure strategic and financial planning, implementation, and coordination between relevant actors.

- Review the existing Environmental law in the period 2010-2012, prepare and adopt relevant amendments.

- Review, update and implement the National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) and the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Environment.

- Converge with EU legislation on environmental impact assessments, including with regard to consultation of the public.

- Strengthen structures and procedures for strategic environmental assessments.

- Strengthen the system for knowledge management in Jordan, and in particular the collection and management of environmental data in Jordan and access to environmental information, building on EU experience and practice.

- Promote awareness-raising on key environment issues and issue and implement a new national outreach strategy.

- Strengthen civil society actors and promote public participation in decision making on environment issues.

- Adopt legislation on environmental liability.

- Publish regular reports on the state of the environment.

- Explore the participation in selected European Environment Agency activities.

b) Environment sectors and themes, including gradual convergence with EU policy principles and legislation

- Permitting, monitoring and inspection

- Strengthen administrative capacity of the Jordanian authorities with regard to permitting, monitoring and inspection.

- Air quality

- Adopt legislation on air quality and take action to promote better air quality management, building on EU policy principles and framework legislation.

- Prepare and adopt action plans to fight air pollution, including cross-border pollution.

- Water management and marine protection

- Implement priority actions of the National Water Strategy.

- Adopt legislation on water management and establish a system of improvement of water quality building on EU policy principles and legislation.

- Promote integrated water resource management.

- Strengthen the water sector institutions with regard to water quality monitoring.

- Exchange information on best practices and transfer knowledge on key water issues, including water scarcity and water re-use.

- Explore the links between water supply and energy efficiency.

- Promote marine protection

- Waste Management

- Adopt and implement relevant waste management strategies (including in relation to hazardous waste).

- Adopt legislation on waste management, building on EU policy principles and legislation.

- Establish a permitting system for establishments carrying out disposal or recovery operations as well as for inspection and control of such installations.

- Nature Protection

- Continue the establishment of a system of protected areas, building on EU policy principles and legislation.

- Implement the priority actions of the national strategy and action plan to combat desertification.

- Ratify the Gaborone amendment permitting accession by regional economic integration organizations to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

- Industrial pollution

- Promote environmentally sound production patterns within Jordanian industries, including through the establishment of an integrated permitting system, building on EU policy principles and legislation.

- Chemicals

- Prepare and adopt a strategy on chemicals to improve stakeholders knowledge and enable safer management of chemical substances.

- Restrict the use of hazardous chemicals and gradually replace the most hazardous ones.

- Environmental integration

- Actively promote the integration of environmental considerations into other sector policies.

c) Regional cooperation

- Continue cooperation on the Horizon 2020 initiative.

- Cooperate in regional water issues and identify possibilities with neighboring countries for enhanced cooperation on environment issues.

- Promote and implement tools to enable the civil society to participate in the decision making process of transboundary water management .

(49) Energy

a) Energy sectors and themes, including gradual convergence with EU policy principles and legislation

- Energy cooperation will build, inter alia, on the Joint Declaration on the priorities for cooperation between the European Commission and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the energy sector signed on 31st October 2007.

- Energy policy

- Follow-up on the implementation of the long-term energy strategy for Jordan based on the Jordanian Energy Sector Master Plan.

- Exchange experience and best practices with a view to progressive approximation of Jordan’s energy policy with that of the EU, including cooperation on institutional issues, taking into account the specificities of Jordan.

- Electricity and gas markets

- Work towards progressive convergence of Jordan with the principles of the EU internal electricity and gas markets, including gradual opening of its markets, energy pricing and market reform.

- Follow-up on the establishment of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

- Energy networks

- Reinforce dialogue and cooperation at technical and, as appropriate political level, on the upgrading and development of the domestic and regional electricity, gas and oil networks including as regards those designed for transit to the EU.

- Exchange information and best practices on network losses as well as network safety and security.

- Energy efficiency and Renewable energy sources

- Follow-up in view of strengthening Jordan’s institutional framework (National Energy Research Centre).

- Progress towards the participation by Jordan in the Intelligent Energy Programme.

- Energy efficiency

- Accompany further development of Jordan’s energy efficiency policy, including the policy on energy efficiency in buildings.

- Work towards the development of appropriate policy measures by Jordan based on the EU legislation and best practice, in the area of energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy and including, inter alia, labeling of domestic appliances and building codes.

- Renewable energy

- Follow-up on the implementation of Jordan’s renewable energy policy.

- Progressive convergence by Jordan with EU legislation and best practices in the area of energy renewable sources, including through the policy targets.

- Identify possibilities for cooperation to facilitate transfer of technology.

- Cooperate towards developing appropriate instruments for funding renewable energy projects.

- Nuclear safety and security

- Cooperate on legislation and regulation in the nuclear sector as well as on management of spent fuel and radioactive waste and nuclear safety culture.

- Cooperate on institutional issues including by further strengthening the Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other relevant bodies.

- Cooperate on activities aimed at increased nuclear safety awareness and knowledge building in the region.

b) Regional cooperation

- Continue to participate in the regional energy cooperation initiatives of the Union for the Mediterranean, in particular the implementation of the Priority Action Plan 2008-2013 for the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Partnership.

- Continue enhancing Euro-Mashrek gas cooperation and intensify regional integration for electricity markets.

- Cooperate in the regional context on development of renewable energy and energy efficiency including in the context of the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and the Mediterranean Solar Plan.

(50) Transport

a) Implement the National Transport and Infrastructure Policy

- Implement a sustainable national transport policy for the enhancement of all modes of transport, particularly with a view to ensuring efficient, safe and secure transport systems.

- Further approximate the legislative and regulatory frameworks with European and international standards.

- Further develop sector strategies in light of the national transport policy (including data warehouse strategies, the upgrading of technical equipment and transport fleets) for road, rail, aviation, maritime transport and intermodality, including timetables and milestones for implementation, administrative responsibilities as well as financing plans.

- Further develop an infrastructure policy in order to identify and evaluate infrastructure projects in the various modes of transport.

- Develop funding strategies focusing on maintenance, capacity constraints and missing link infrastructure as well as activate and promote the participation of the private sector in transport projects.

- Regional cooperation:

- Continue to participate in the planning exercise for transport infrastructure in the Mediterranean.

- Continue to participate in the development of Global Navigation Satellite Systems in the Mediterranean region.

- Take the necessary facilitation actions, also in line with the Regional Transport Action Plan that aim to improve the functioning of the transport network in order to increase the fluidity of the transport flows between Jordan, regional partners and the EU.

b) Implement selected measures and reforms in the road and rail sector

- Establish a single regulatory body for land transport (railway and road).

- Develop an integrated inter-modal public transport system.

- Continue the implementation of a license regime in the road sector both for passenger and freight operations with a view to ensuring level playing field in the freight sector and stimulate public passenger transport.

- Continue to strengthen the enforcement standards in the field of social legislation and technical requirements with international conventions and EU standards in the area of dangerous goods and driving times.

- Implement the railway policy with a view to improving safety, speed and efficiency of freight transport services (including issues of border crossing procedures) including the development of inter-modality and multi-modal services, addressing also issues of interoperability in particular as regards different gauges and other technical standards.

- Regional cooperation:

- Explore the benefits of regional cooperation with a view to promote efficiency and interoperability of land transport services.

- Continue work towards further approximation of legislative and regulatory frameworks with European and International standards, also in a regional context.

c) Implement selected measures and reforms in the aviation sector

- Ensure the implementation of the Euro Mediterranean Aviation Agreement signed on 15 December 2010 in order to allow a swift convergence of the legal framework applicable and a progressive opening-up of the air market access.

- Continue the implementation of the existing national aviation policy and further reinforce administrative capacity (including a separation of regulatory and operational functions of the CAA).

- Explore possibilities to involve Jordan in the Single European Sky and enhance the implementation of the Blue Med initiative.

- Cooperate closely in the area of aviation policy.

- Intensify the work with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

- Co-operate on aviation security matters (common rules to combat international terrorism) in accordance with the Euro Mediterranean Aviation Agreement and the relevant international conventions.

- Encourage the technical cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the EU Member States.

d) Implement selected measures and reforms in the maritime sector

- Cooperate with EU with a view to aligning maritime safety and security policies.

- Enforce maritime safety and security measures through implementation of Port State Control and Flag State Implementation systems and strengthen institutional structures in maritime administration and the port sector to enable it to take on its responsibilities in the areas of safety, security and maritime pollution prevention and control, including upgrading radio communications facility and establishing Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system and training of seafarers.

- Continue implementation of the relevant international IMO (International Maritime Organisation) conventions as well as resolutions of the Maritime Environment Protection Committee on tanker safety.

- Study and implement the restructuring of the port sector (separating operational and commercial functions) and the identification of technical support actions aimed at improving the quality of port infrastructure and services.

- For ports identified as Motorways of the Sea ports, commit to certain quality criteria related to port infrastructures and port services, administrative procedures and coordination of inspections, maritime and intermodal services.

- Regional cooperation:

- Continue to take part in regional cooperation regarding maritime policy, ports and short sea shipping.

- Continue the cooperation with EU and Mediterranean partners in the framework of the International Maritime Organisation and promote the participation in the new regional project on maritime safety (SAFEMED).

C. SCIENTIFIC AND HUMAN DIMENSION

XIV. Information society, science and technology, research and innovation

(51) Information society and audiovisual cooperation

a) Information society cooperation

Further progress in and exchange of views on electronic communications policy and regulation

- Continue the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework including, the authorisation of, access to and interconnection of networks and services, Universal Service and users' rights, consumer protection, processing of personal data and protection of privacy in the e-communications sector, management of radio spectrum, cost-orientation of tariffs.

- Cooperate in order to further strengthen the independence and administrative capacity of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) in order to ensure its ability to take appropriate regulatory measures, to enforce them and to monitor fair competition in the markets.

- Cooperate with the Euromed Group of Electronic Communications Regulators (EMERG) and with regulatory authorities of EU Member States on issues of common interest.

- Promote cooperation on information society policies

Further progress in the development and use of Information Society applications

- Cooperate to review and implement the Jordan Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) strategy, in particular on the promotion of broadband access, improvement of network security, introduction of New Generation Networks (NGN) and the widespread use of ICT by citizens, business and the administrations by developing local content for the Internet and introducing online services, and cloud computing, in particular e-business, e-government, e-health and e-learning as well as e-signature.

- Cooperation in developing public-private partnerships for the implementation of the National ICT Strategy (NIS) in Jordan.

- Promote joint projects within the ICT-theme of the Framework Programme of the European Community for research and technological development.

b) Audio-visual cooperation

- Promote an exchange of views on audiovisual policy.

- Implement a transparent, efficient and predictable regulatory system and continue to strengthen and preserve the independence of the regulatory authority in the audio-visual sector.

- Encourage the exchange of information and experience with regard to regulatory aspects of the audiovisual sector.

(52) Science and technology, research and development and innovation

a) Accelerate the involvement of Jordan into the European Research Area and the Community Framework Programme

- Implement the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. Foster and complete the network of national contact points (NCPs) for the Research Framework Programme, and develop from that network a set of thematic NCPs under the coordination of Jordan's Information Point at the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST).

- Take advantage of the possibility to participate in the Enterprise Europe Network.

- Strengthen capacities of the Higher Council for Science and Technology and Scientific Research Support Fund.

- Review and develop a sound policy for RDI (Research and Development and Innovation).

- Increase Jordan’s participation in the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).

- Promote research capacity building to increase Jordan's involvement in the European Research Area.

- Strengthen the S&T regional dialogue with other Mediterranean countries and with the EU through the FP7 Capacity instruments (Inconet project MIRA and ERAWIDE initiatives) as well as other Community Programmes.

b) Develop the scientific and technological capacity with a focus on the use of RTD results by the industrial and SME sector to enhance innovation

- Establish national technology transfer program with an emphasis on linking research institutions, the business-industrial sector through a central coordinating body.

- Review to RDI policy to ensure applicability to industry (private sector).

- Raising awareness about the value of commercialization to the country and build the capacity of individuals following up the commercialization process.

- Increase collaboration between researchers and the private sector.

c) Promote the integration of Jordan into scientific high-level exchanges

- Increase Jordan’s participation in the international Marie Curie programme, particularly the International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES scheme).

- Reinforce the staff exchange in the research projects and promote the participation of Jordanian scientists in international scientific debates.

XV. People-to-people contacts

(53) Education, training and youth

a) Pursue reform of the education and training systems and work, within the framework of the Jordanian national programme, towards convergence with EU standards and practice

- Support the reform of the education system according to the Jordanian national programme, in close cooperation with the national institutions involved in the quality assurance of education and training provision.

- Foster the development of human capital and the involvement of social partners in education and training provision and their reform.

- Promote the development of a national qualifications framework including occupational and skills profiles as well as advance the labour market integration of women.

- Promote higher education reform, including quality assurance and credit transfer, through the TEMPUS programme as well as student and academic mobility through the Erasmus Mundus programme.

- Foster the reform of higher education in line with the principles of Bologna Process and promote Jordan’s integration into the Copenhagen Process in line with the 2008 Bordeaux Communiqué.

b) Enhance cooperation in the field of education, training and youth

- Pursue a policy dialogue on quality and quality assurance in education and training including the transparency and recognition of qualifications.

- Promote lifelong learning including entrepreneurial learning in order to adapt national provisions to the needs of the labour market and the knowledge economy.

- Promote the development of evidence-based policy making within the national vocational education and training system through participation in peer learning within the context of the Torino Process.

- Increase links among Jordanian educational institutions and with the EU.

- Enhance youth exchanges and cooperation in the field of non-formal education and intercultural dialogue.

c) Enhance cultural cooperation

- Promote cultural cooperation and cultural exchanges in accordance with the principles enshrined in the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

- Cooperation on cultural policy issues and in fields of mutual interest, including the management of cultural heritage and the development of cultural industries.

- Promote dialogue between cultures.

- Cooperation in international fora such as UNESCO, inter alia, in order to develop cultural diversity and preserve and valorise cultural and historical heritage.

- Enhance Jordan’s participation in the relevant EC cultural cooperation programmes.

(54) Public health

Enhance the level of public health in Jordan and step-up health dialogue

- Continue Jordan’s health sector reform.

- Dialogue on the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases including the implementation of the International Health regulations and the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control.

- Cooperation on health information and participation of Jordan in the EU’s enlarged health information network.

- Pursue regional health cooperation including in the context of the Union for the Mediterranean.

D. MONITORING

Progress in meeting these priorities is monitored in the sub-committees established under the Association Agreement.

The Action Plans will guide the work between the EU and Jordan. Should the need arise, on the EU side, for specific measures necessitating legally binding decisions, the Commission will recommend to the Council the adoption of the necessary negotiating directives.

The joint bodies established under the Association Agreement will advance and monitor the implementation of the Action Plan on the basis of regular reports on its implementation.

The Action Plan can be regularly amended and/or updated to reflect progress in addressing the priorities.