European sources in Jordan have expressed the European Union’s deep concern over the Kingdom’s decision to end its moratorium on the death penalty. According to the sources, recent measures—specifically the move to execute all death-row inmates and the Prime Minister’s statements regarding the expansion of the penalty—do not represent an isolated decision. Rather, they signal a broader policy shift that marks a setback for the country's human rights record.
The same sources noted that the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been officially notified that this move will impact the political assessment of bilateral relations. This is because human rights remain a core pillar of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Amman and Brussels.
European sources explained that these recent developments will create serious hurdles for the EU mission in Amman, hindering its ability to advocate for Jordanian interests within Brussels' decision-making circles. The sources warned that the European Parliament strictly links the review of human rights records to the approval of various aid packages. Consequently, Brussels will be forced to engage in a difficult dialogue with the Jordanian government to clarify the dimensions and implications of this decision.
Sources in Amman revealed that the current policy direction could immediately cast a shadow over cooperation, warning of potential delays or a slowdown in the approval of a series of aid packages and deals that were being finalized for the coming weeks. In terms of financial support, this includes the disbursement of a €250 million soft loan alongside €110 million allocated for general budget support. On the military and security cooperation front, the potential freeze threatens the finalization of a €35 million air defense radar deal, the launch of a €60 million project to upgrade aerial systems, and the allocation of €70 million in future military assistance.
In conclusion, the European sources stressed that the objective is not to weaken or complicate the robust partnership with Jordan, but rather to seek mutual understanding. However, they reiterated that lifting the moratorium has made it significantly more complex for European partners to support funding requests. Without clear assurances, this shift could negatively affect the timeline for implementing upcoming cooperation programs.
The Jordanian government recently carried out death sentences against individuals convicted in state security cases. This coincided with an announcement by Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan, stating that the government intends to expand the scope of the death penalty to include major drug traffickers and smugglers linked to foreign syndicates. These official steps follow nearly fifteen years of escalating security pressures on Jordan's northern and eastern borders due to organized smuggling operations. Amman views the activation of this penalty as an extraordinary deterrent necessary to safeguard its national security.