The EU commission has published its assessment report of Jordan's political and socio-economic developments in 2007. The report entitled "Implementation of the EU neighborhood policy in 2007: Jordan progress report" contained some critical evaluations of Jordan's economic performance. However it was noted that the report placed a lot of praise for Jordan's environmental reform initiatives. As an appreciation to Jordan's impressive performance Arab Environment Watch republishes the exact text about environmental sustainability in the EU report:

Clean Energy

Jordan and the EU considerably enhanced energy cooperation including through the signature, in October 2007, of a Joint Declaration on the priorities for energy cooperation between the European Commission and Jordan. At regional level, Euro-Mediterranean energy ministers enhanced energy cooperation through the endorsement of a priority action plan for 2008-2013. This plan includes, inter alia, a list of priority interconnection and infrastructure projects of common interest. Jordan participated in the EU-Africa-Middle East ministerial energy conference, which identified the joint interest to promote clean energy technologies and to develop a green energy market.

In December 2007 the Kingdom adopted an energy master plan for the period until 2020. Jordan decided to explore the possibilities to use indigenous oil shale and to put greater emphasis on the use of renewable energy sources. It expressed the wish to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In this context, it is key that a high level of safety and security of nuclear installations is ensured and that the research, development and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes are carried out in a manner consistent with the objectives of the Non- Proliferation Treaty. Jordan expressed the desire to cooperate with the EU and the Member States on nuclear issues. Jordan is conducting an exploitation programme for its uranium resources. Laws on nuclear energy as well as on safety and protection from nuclear radiation are in preparation. The nuclear law will provide a basis for the establishment of a nuclear regulator.

Environment:

Key environment issues concern threats related to climate change, water resource management and water quality, waste management, nature protection, desertification and industrial pollution. Jordan made further progress on climate change. A second national communication, a greenhouse gas inventory and a national adaptation policy are being prepared. Altogether six Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects have been prepared, but not yet registered at the UN level. Jordan participates in the Euro-Mediterranean Horizon 2020 Initiative on environmental measures in the Mediterranean area, including the identification of key environment infrastructure issues in the fields of municipal waste, urban waste water and industrial pollution as well as appropriate financing sources and mechanisms. Six of the 44 so far identified projects with an apparent chance to be bankable are Jordanian1. All interested parties still need to agree on how to prioritise, prepare and finance pollution reduction projects in these sites. Jordan also participates in activities under the EU Water Initiative.

Jordan finalised a review report of its previous national environment strategies, and the Ministry of Environment adopted a strategic plan for 2007-2010. Overall, framework legislation and sectoral legislation are in place in most areas, but continue to require further development, in particular with regard to implementing legislation. Latest legislation includes a by-law on land use. New legislation on an environmental fund, as well as on monitoring and inspections is under preparation. This is also the case for municipal waste management policies as well as a master plan related to conservation policies within land use. Work is ongoing to implement existing strategies and plans, but continued attention is required.

The Ministry of Environment has now gone through a comprehensive reform, within which its administrative capacities have been significantly strengthened. Consequently, the Ministry can be considered as representing best practice in Jordan for strengthening public administration. Nevertheless, further strengthening of administrative capacity is still a major challenge, in particular within the governorates’ environment directorates and the municipalities, while also ensuring the sustainability of the functions of the reformed Ministry. Co-ordination between involved authorities requires also attention. In the field of water, a royal committee to develop the water sector and establish a viable water management system was established in early 2008. Environment police was established. There are some activities to integrate environment considerations into other policy sectors such as transport and trade. Monitoring as well as enforcement continue to require special attention. There are plans to set up an integrated permitting system, possibly piloting first with one industry sector. A state-of-the environment report is under preparation. Jordan has taken first steps to Jordan has ratified relevant international and regional conventions and protocols. The European Commission and Jordan have enhanced cooperation and information exchange, including on environmental governance and water. Other topics, such as waste management, air pollution, integrated permitting, climate change and environment aspects of trade have been identified for possible closer cooperation. promote the application of strategic environmental assessments.