EU relations with Jordan: based on values or interests?

Since the establishment of the European Community in 1952, the Europeans have been keen to strengthen their ties with their neighboring countries. The Barcelona Process in 1995 was a substantial point in the EU relations with its neighbors both politically and economically. Nowadays, the European Neighborhood Policy is the instrument that the EU uses in its relations with neighboring countries including Jordan which is considered to be a frontrunner among the Mediterranean countries to commence association relations with the EU. In this regard, the EU considers Jordan as a very significant partner and so is devoted to further establishing mutually valuable relationships.As a result, the two EU/Jordan action plans, which came into force in 2005 and 2010 respectively, have referred to deeper ties as well as a massive political dialogue between Jordan and the EU. The ‘advanced status’ relationship, which both the EU and Jordan have moved towards in 2010, was meant to be based on common values such as human rights and democracy. However,a question is to be raised regarding this advanced status, i.e. why did the EU grant Jordan an ‘advanced status’?