On Wednesday, the European Union signed an agreement with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) worth €22.8 million, in the presence of Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan.
اضافة اعلان
The agreement aims to meet the most urgent needs of vulnerable refugees and their host communities in Jordan, while also supporting activities that enhance self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The funding will help maintain a social safety net for refugees unable to work due to age, disability, critical medical conditions, or other factors. For those capable of working, it will promote self-reliance by utilizing and enhancing their skills, and wherever possible, linking them to livelihood opportunities through coordinated efforts with partners. This approach addresses immediate humanitarian needs while assisting those ready to rebuild their livelihoods.
The announcement coincided with the 10th anniversary celebration of the EU’s regional trust fund MADAD, held in Amman. The event brought together institutional leaders, implementing partners, beneficiaries, and the public to mark a decade of solidarity and collective action in response to the Syrian crisis.
The EU emphasized that the agreement reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting Jordan in responding to the Syrian crisis, highlighting the anniversary as a moment to “renew the commitment to the EU’s role as a reliable partner in addressing humanitarian needs and building pathways toward stability, dignity, and hope.”
Established in December 2014, the MADAD fund has mobilized €2.38 billion over ten years from 21 EU member states, the UK, and Turkey, supporting more than 12 million Syrian refugees and their host communities in neighboring countries, particularly Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. The fund has financed over 120 projects in education, health, livelihoods, water and sanitation, social protection, and community cohesion.
Key results include: over one million children enrolled in schools; more than 5.8 million people receiving quality healthcare, including preventive and primary care; over two million people provided with safe drinking water; more than 1.5 million individuals supported to improve livelihoods and income through skills development and entrepreneurship programs; around 500,000 vulnerable individuals receiving psychosocial support; and over one million people benefiting from services that enhance dialogue and social integration.
EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dobrinka Savtcheva, said: “The MADAD Fund is not just a success story; it is living proof of what solidarity can achieve. With €2.4 billion, we have touched the lives of more than 12 million people, providing essential services and hope where it was most needed. We have built and developed 16,000 schools – enabling one million children to resume their education – alongside hospitals and community centers that will serve generations to come.”
UNHCR Representative in Jordan, Maria Stavropoulou, stated: “We greatly appreciate the generous support from the EU, especially during this difficult time when funding cuts limit our ability to assist refugees. This project will help meet the urgent needs of different refugee groups and support Jordan’s resilience as a host country.”
Henrike Trautman, Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the European Commission, said: “Over the past ten years, the EU regional trust fund has been a lifeline for millions affected by the Syrian crisis. This anniversary is not only a time to reflect on our joint achievements but also an opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s steadfast commitment to supporting Syria and its people.”
EU Ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Schatz, added: “The EU remains a steadfast partner in responding to the needs of refugees in Jordan, which has played a pivotal role in providing protection and stability to thousands forced to flee their homes. Over the next 18 months, nearly 200,000 people, representing 44,500 families, will receive vital support through UNHCR. Through this new project, we reaffirm our long-term partnership with Jordan in supporting both refugees and host communities.”
WFP Country Director and Resident Representative in Jordan, Antonella Dabril, said: “While WFP continues providing core cash assistance to refugees despite major funding constraints, this contribution will support complementary efforts to enhance refugees’ skills and increase their access to employment, as limited livelihood opportunities remain a key factor driving food insecurity.”
An interactive exhibition was held alongside the event, allowing visitors to experience the impact of fund-supported initiatives, from handicrafts and culinary creations to traditional arts, live skill demonstrations, and multimedia presentations. The exhibition highlighted inspiring stories from MADAD’s decade-long journey, showcasing beneficiary success stories, morning panel discussions, interactive workshops, and an evening cultural program.
(Al-Mamlaka)
