The Vice President for Banking at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Matteo Patrone, is visiting Jordan on 21 April to meet senior government officials and key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The visit comes at a time of heightened challenges in the Middle East and reflects the Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Jordan’s economy.
During his visit, Mr. Patrone is scheduled to meet Jafar Hassan, along with several senior ministers. These include Zeina Toukan, who serves as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and EBRD Governor, Raed M. Abu Soud, Minister of Water, and Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.
He will also meet Sofian Al-Bataineh, Managing Director of the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO). A key part of the visit will be the signing of two memoranda of understanding focused on strengthening Jordan’s energy and water security—two critical areas for the country’s long-term stability and growth. Mr. Patrone will also host roundtable discussions with representatives from the business community.
These sessions aim to better understand the immediate challenges faced by businesses and explore how the EBRD can provide targeted and practical support. Speaking ahead of the visit, he highlighted the importance of Jordan as a strategic partner and reaffirmed the Bank’s strong commitment to supporting the country during a period of regional uncertainty.
He also expressed concern for communities affected by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and voiced hope for a lasting ceasefire that could lead to stability and recovery. Earlier in the month, the EBRD introduced a regional conflict response package to support countries impacted by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The Bank plans to deploy €5 billion in 2026 to assist economies directly affected, including Iraq, Lebanon, and areas such as the West Bank and Gaza. Support will also extend to neighbouring countries like Egypt, Türkiye, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Since starting operations in Jordan in 2012, the EBRD has invested more than €2.2 billion across 84 projects.
These investments have supported key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, banking, and private businesses, with around 73 per cent of funding directed toward the private sector. In 2025, the Bank significantly increased its activity in Jordan, more than doubling the number of new projects compared to 2024.
It delivered over €200 million in financing—mostly to private sector initiatives—and also mobilised nearly €110 million in additional funding from external partners. Overall, the visit highlights the EBRD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Jordan’s economy and support key sectors during a period of regional instability.
