Today, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen held a phone call with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.

President von der Leyen praised Jordans role as a stabilizing force under the kings leadership in a conflict-affected region. She commended Jordan for its hospitality towards Palestinian refugees.

The leaders discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been under a severe blockade for 11 weeks.

“The expansion of Israels military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, including a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, is appalling.”

President von der Leyen reiterated the EUs strong call for Israel to lift the blockade.

“The European Commission has always supported Israels right to security and self-defense, but this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law,” said the president. “Israel must immediately resume aid delivery in line with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners.”

President von der Leyen confirmed the EUs position, including the unconditional release of all hostages, a return to a ceasefire, and large-scale humanitarian assistance. These steps are essential for a permanent end to hostilities and the disarmament of Hamas.

The president called on the Israeli government to immediately halt the current escalation. She also called on the terrorist organization Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages.

The president also addressed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. The EU has increased its support to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, including a financial assistance package of €1.6 billion for 2025-2027, with €310 million in direct support to the Palestinian Authority in 2025.

“Europes commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution remains unwavering,” said President von der Leyen.

The leaders reaffirmed their support for the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, approved by Arab states at the Cairo Summit last March, stressing that no forcible displacement of Palestinians should occur.

Next, the leaders discussed the ongoing implementation of the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, signed in January 2025.

President von der Leyen expressed appreciation for the excellent cooperation since its launch.

She noted that the disbursement of €500 million under the EUs Macro-Financial Assistance Package was expected early August. A second similar amount should be endorsed at the EU level in the autumn.

An additional €228 million in assistance for 2025-2027 is scheduled for adoption in July to further boost Jordans investment climate.

Finally, the leaders discussed the situation in Syria.

President von der Leyen welcomed Jordans role in supporting institutional capacity-building in the country. She reaffirmed the EUs readiness to deepen cooperation with Jordan in this area.

She also highlighted the EUs historic decision last week to lift economic sanctions on Syria and confirmed that the EU will continue to monitor the reform process in Syria and be vigilant on any human rights violations.

President von der Leyen noted that the EU remains at the forefront of international efforts to support the Syrian people. The recent Brussels IX Conference secured nearly €6 billion in pledges for Syria and its neighboring countries.

President von der Leyen emphasized the EUs support to Syrias reconciliation and recovery path, leading to the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.