Jordan reaffirms its role as key Middle East mediator at EU Parliament

On Tuesday, King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered a deeply moral and politically charged speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, reminding lawmakers of the urgent need to restore humanity, justice, and international responsibility — especially in Gaza.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed the monarch with high praise, calling Jordan “an important partner for the European Union” and expressing gratitude for the country’s commitment to peace and regional stability. She noted Jordan’s efforts in mediating ceasefires, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting refugees from Palestine and Syria.

In his speech, Abdullah struck a somber yet resolute tone. “Our world feels untethered – like it has lost its moral gravity,” he said. He urged the European Parliament to recognize that in times of historical crisis, recommitting to shared values is essential.

King Abdullah’s address comes at a time of extraordinary sensitivity. While Jordan is often viewed as a moderate and stabilizing force in the region, its domestic landscape complicates its foreign policy. Roughly 70% of Jordan’s population is of Palestinian origin, many with direct family ties to the West Bank and Gaza. This demographic reality places the monarchy in a uniquely delicate position.

While advocating for a two-state solution and condemning Israeli military actions, King Abdullah must carefully balance his international diplomacy with domestic pressures, ensuring that his leadership remains responsive to both regional alliances and national sentiment.

In this context, his European Parliament speech was more than rhetoric; it was a carefully measured call for global moral responsibility, framed by the realities of his own country.

Jordan as a Strategic Partner

King Abdullah concluded by highlighting two priorities for global stability: development and security. “A thriving Middle East creates opportunities that benefit us all,” he said. 

He called for decisive, coordinated action not only to end the war in Ukraine but also to finally resolve the eight-decade Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment as a “staunch partner” to Europe and reiterated the basic right of Palestinians to “freedom, sovereignty, and statehood.”

As Europe navigates complex geopolitical realignments and humanitarian crises, Jordan — and its king — continue to play a vital, if often underappreciated, role as both mediator and conscience in a region teetering on the edge.