Key data
| Regulation | Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Notes EU–Jordan for participation in PRIMA (OJ:L_202601998) |
|---|---|
| Publication | 8 September 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the published text |
| Affected parties | Research centres, universities and technology companies participating in PRIMA projects |
| Category | European Regulation |
| PRIMA thematic areas | Water, food and sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean |
| Base legal framework | EU–Jordan Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement (amended and supplemented) |
Spanish companies and research institutions working in the Mediterranean region have had a new potential partner in their R&D&i consortia since September 2026. The Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Notes between the EU and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (reference OJ:L_202601998, published on 8 September 2026) amends and supplements the bilateral Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement, establishing the specific conditions for Jordanian entities to participate fully in PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Region).
The practical result is immediate: any Spanish consortium submitting a proposal to a PRIMA call can now include a Jordanian partner on equal terms with the rest of the countries participating in the programme.
What does this regulation establish?
The agreement has two concrete legal effects:
- Amends the pre-existing Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Jordan, adding a specific framework for PRIMA.
- Supplements that agreement by establishing the conditions under which the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan participates in PRIMA as a full partner.
PRIMA is a European Union initiative that funds R&D&i projects in three main thematic areas:
| PRIMA thematic area | Description |
|---|---|
| Water | Sustainable management of water resources in the Mediterranean basin |
| Food | Sustainable and safe food systems in the Mediterranean |
| Sustainable agriculture | Agricultural practices adapted to the Mediterranean climate |
With Jordan's incorporation, PRIMA's partner network expands, strengthening the external dimension of European scientific policy in a strategic region. Jordanian entities will now be able to access PRIMA funding and formally collaborate with European bodies within the programme.
Economic and operational impact
This agreement does not generate direct costs for Spanish companies or research centres. Its impact is one of opportunity, not obligation. The concrete operational effects are:
- Expansion of the eligible partner pool: Spanish consortia submitting proposals to PRIMA calls can now include Jordanian entities (universities, research centres, technology companies) as eligible partners for funding.
- Greater competitiveness of proposals: Consortia with partners from non-European Mediterranean countries typically score better on PRIMA evaluation criteria, reflecting the regional dimension of the programme.
- Access to Jordanian capabilities: Jordan brings specific expertise in water management in arid environments, agriculture in semi-arid areas and food security, areas of high relevance for PRIMA calls.
- Strengthening of European scientific policy: The agreement consolidates the EU's presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, which may translate into future calls with greater funding for projects that include partners from this region.
Who does it affect?
- Spanish research centres that participate or wish to participate in PRIMA calls (water, food, sustainable agriculture).
- Universities with research groups active in Mediterranean topics.
- Technology companies in the agri-food sector, water management or agricultural technologies seeking European funding for R&D&i projects.
- Technology transfer offices (OTRIs) managing their institutions' participation in European programmes.
- European project managers in public and private bodies designing consortia for PRIMA calls.
Practical example
A Spanish research centre specialising in efficient irrigation technologies is preparing a proposal for a PRIMA call in the water area. Until now, it could include partners from PRIMA countries such as Morocco, Tunisia or Egypt. With the entry into force of this agreement, it can now incorporate a Jordanian university with experience in water management in arid areas as an eligible partner for funding within the same consortium.
This allows the Spanish consortium to cover a broader Mediterranean geography, improve the score on regional impact criteria and access specialised Jordanian knowledge in an area where Jordan is an international benchmark due to its structural water scarcity situation. The operational cost for the Spanish centre is the usual cost of any international consortium management: coordination, consortium agreements and communication, without additional regulatory burdens specifically derived from this agreement.
What should companies do now?
- Identify open or upcoming PRIMA calls: Review the call calendar on the official PRIMA website to identify opportunities in the areas of water, food and sustainable agriculture where a Jordanian partner would add value.
- Map potential Jordanian partners: Contact universities, research centres and technology companies in Jordan active in PRIMA topics. The national contact point networks (NCPs) of Horizon Europe can facilitate this mapping.
- Update consortium agreement templates: Ensure that the consortium agreement models used contemplate the participation of partners from third countries associated with PRIMA, as Jordan now is.
- Consult with the OTRI or European project manager: Verify that your institution's internal procedures allow for formalising agreements with Jordanian entities without additional administrative obstacles.
- Monitor future calls focused on the Eastern Mediterranean: Jordan's incorporation may influence the design of future PRIMA calls, with greater weight for projects that include partners from this region.
Frequently asked questions
What is PRIMA and what projects does it fund?
PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Region) is an EU initiative that funds R&D&i projects in three thematic areas: water, food and sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean. It involves European countries and non-EU Mediterranean countries that join through bilateral agreements with the EU, such as the one just signed with Jordan.
Can Spanish consortia already include Jordanian partners in PRIMA proposals?
Yes. The Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Notes published on 8 September 2026 (OJ:L_202601998) establishes the conditions for Jordanian entities to participate in PRIMA. Upon its entry into force, Jordanian entities are eligible for funding within PRIMA consortia, just like partners from other countries participating in the programme.
What types of Jordanian entities can participate in PRIMA?
The agreement allows the participation of Jordanian entities in general: universities, research centres and technology companies. The same categories of entities that can participate from the European side are eligible from Jordan, provided they meet the specific requirements of each PRIMA call.
Is there any cost or new obligation for Spanish companies arising from this agreement?
No. This agreement does not impose costs or obligations on Spanish companies or research centres. Its effect is exclusively one of opportunity: it expands the number of eligible partners in PRIMA consortia by including Jordanian entities. The administrative burdens are the usual ones for any European project with international partners.
When does the EU–Jordan agreement for PRIMA enter into force?
The text published on 8 September 2026 does not specify a specific entry into force date. To find out the exact date, you need to consult the full regulation in the official source: EUR-Lex OJ:L_202601998.
Official source
Consult full regulation in official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601998
