Key data
| Regulation | Council Decision (EU) 2026/1950, of 10 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Publication | 8 September 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified — pending completion of formal ratification procedures by both parties |
| Affected parties | Research centers, universities and companies participating in PRIMA projects in the Mediterranean |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Program | PRIMA — Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Region |
| Strategic areas | Water, food and sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean |
| Official reference | OJ:L_202601950 |
Spanish entities participating in PRIMA program projects have had a new potential partner since September 2026: the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Council Decision (EU) 2026/1950, published on 8 September 2026, formalizes the conclusion of an agreement in the form of an exchange of notes that amends and supplements the agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Jordan, establishing the conditions for Jordan's participation in PRIMA.
This is not a change that generates immediate costs or obligations for companies. But it does open a concrete opportunity for those already working or planning to work in Mediterranean R&D&I consortia financed by this program.
What does this regulation establish?
PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Region) is an EU initiative that finances R&D&I projects in three strategic areas of the Mediterranean:
- Water management
- Food systems
- Sustainable agriculture
Until now, Jordan did not have the legal framework necessary to participate fully as a partner in PRIMA projects. This decision resolves that situation: through an exchange of notes, the pre-existing agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Jordan is amended and supplemented to expressly include the conditions for Jordan's participation in the program.
The agreement does not enter into force automatically with the publication of the Decision. Its effective application depends on both parties—the EU and Jordan—completing their respective formal ratification procedures. No specific date has been set for that moment.
Economic and operational impact
This regulation does not impose direct costs or sanctions. Its impact is strategic and opportunity-based in nature:
- New consortium options: Jordanian entities—universities, research centers, companies—will be able to integrate as eligible partners in PRIMA projects alongside European organizations, including Spanish ones.
- Access to joint financing: Jordan's participation in PRIMA means that its entities will be able to access program financing, which facilitates the building of broader and more competitive consortia in calls for proposals.
- Relevance for Spain: Spain is one of the most active countries in PRIMA, given its Mediterranean geographical position and its specialization in agriculture, water management and food technology. The incorporation of Jordan expands the ecosystem of available partners for consortia led or participated by Spanish entities.
- No impact on operating costs: There are no fees, tariffs or new administrative requirements directly derived from this decision for Spanish companies.
Who does it affect?
- Public and private research centers with active or planned projects in PRIMA
- Spanish universities with research lines in water, food or sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean
- Technology and agri-food companies that participate or aspire to participate in PRIMA consortia
- European project managers specialized in Mediterranean R&D&I programs
- Technology transfer offices (OTRIs) of universities and public research centers
- Consulting firms specialized in the management of European R&D&I projects
Practical example
A Spanish research center specialized in efficient irrigation technologies is preparing a proposal for the next PRIMA call in the water management area. Until now, it was looking for partners in Mediterranean countries already participating in the program.
With the entry into force of Decision (EU) 2026/1950, that same center will be able to incorporate into its consortium a Jordanian university specialized in arid water resources—one of the most relevant issues in the region—thus meeting the geographical diversity requirements that PRIMA calls usually demand and strengthening the technical soundness and potential impact of the proposal.
The preliminary step is to verify that formal ratification has been completed before submitting the proposal, to ensure that the Jordanian entity is effectively eligible in that specific call.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if you participate or plan to participate in PRIMA: If your entity already has active projects or is preparing proposals for PRIMA calls, this decision is directly relevant to you.
- Monitor formal ratification: The Decision has been published, but the agreement does not enter into force until both parties complete the ratification procedures. Follow the update in the EU Official Journal to learn the effective date.
- Map potential partners in Jordan: If your area of work is water, food or sustainable agriculture, start identifying Jordanian universities, research centers and companies relevant for future collaborations.
- Consult the next PRIMA calls: Check on the official PRIMA website whether open or upcoming calls already include Jordan as an eligible partner country, once ratification has been confirmed.
- Inform your OTRIs or European project managers: If you are a university or public center, pass this information to your European projects office so they can incorporate it into their opportunities radar.
Frequently asked questions
What is PRIMA and what projects does it finance?
PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Region) is an EU initiative that finances R&D&I projects in three strategic areas: water management, food systems and sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean region. European countries and countries from the south and east of the Mediterranean participate.
When can Jordanian entities participate in PRIMA projects?
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1950 was published on 8 September 2026, but the entry into force of the agreement is not specified: it depends on both the EU and Jordan completing their formal ratification procedures. Until that occurs, the eligibility of Jordanian entities is not effective.
What changes for a Spanish company already participating in PRIMA?
From the entry into force of the agreement, Jordanian entities—universities, research centers, companies—will be eligible partners in PRIMA consortia. This expands the collaboration options available to Spanish entities when building consortia for program calls, especially in water, food and sustainable agriculture.
Does this regulation generate costs or new obligations for Spanish companies?
No. Council Decision (EU) 2026/1950 does not impose costs, fees or new administrative obligations for Spanish companies or entities. Its impact is opportunity-based: it expands the number of eligible partners in PRIMA consortia with the incorporation of Jordanian entities.
Where can I consult the open PRIMA calls?
Active and upcoming PRIMA calls are published on the program's official website. To verify whether Jordan is already eligible in a specific call, it is necessary to first check that the formal ratification of the agreement has been completed, which will be published in the EU Official Journal.
Official source
Consult full regulation at official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601950
