Background The use of environmental policy tools in Jordan and Syria has been mostly devoted to the command and control approach. However, both the Jordanian and Syrian authorities have identified the integration of market-based environmental tools as a priority action. Objectives The aim of the ENVECON project focused on the transfer of economic instruments (EIs) from European countries to Jordan and Syria, the elaboration of strategic plans for their integration and strengthening of the institutional capacities. The project aimed at integrating the environment into a sustainable framework for economic and social development by developing a broader range of environmental policy tools including economic instruments and voluntary agreements. Results The results of the ENVECON project can be summarised as follows: Transfer of experiences of economic instruments (EIs) created in European countries to the Middle East. Initiation of a dialogue among policymakers on the introduction of EIs. Creation of an environmental fund in both countries. Report on current use of environmental policy tools in Jordan and Syria. Report on strategic approach at country level. Implementation plans for the introduction of policy tools in priority areas at country level. Final national strategic and implementation plans.The impact of several actions is sustainable beyond the project period. The project has increased awareness of the benefits of EIs at many levels and this expected to be reflected in the decision-making process on key environmental issues in both countries. Although the enactment of the bylaw setting up the Environmental Fund in Jordan was not achieved during the project, progress is continuing to be made. The decision taken by the government to earmark revenues from existing and new EIs to the fund is a critical step towards the wider use of EIs. Stakeholders in both countries (including local consultation groups) agreed on the project objectives and committed themselves to supporting future activities. Moreover, national policymaking bodies actively participated in this process, a good sign for the sustainability of the project. For example, in Jordan the ministry of environment is now seeking a policy response to the issue of plastic bag waste through the use of economic tools. The replication of the project’s activities (e.g. policy development process for selection-design-implementation of EIs) is easy and feasible. The implementation of selected tools outlined in the developed national strategies will enable the spread of environmental benefits and ensure the sustainability of the project‘s achievements. The project promoted the use of market-based environmental policy tools in line with the general framework developed at European level. The integration of an environmental dimension in economic decision-making via the use of specific policy instruments, such as environmental agreements and EIs guarantee the long-term prospects of the present project and its economic viability. The EIs are intended to improve the integration of environmental protection requirements into other policies, to internalise external effects, to promote eco-efficiency, to encourage innovation and to raise revenue for financing environmental activities. Capacity building is another additional benefit that can be expected by the application of EIs, raising public awareness on environmental issues among others. Jordan's National Environmental Action Plan emphasises the reinforcement and broadening of the environmental policies through the use of appropriate policy tools including the use of incentives and instruments for the improvement of specific environmental aspects, such as water resources, air quality and energy consumption. In Syria the strategic objective of the National Environmental Action Plan outlines the need to incorporate environmental aspects in policies, plans and national programmes and protect the environment. The plan establishes policy development and institutional and/or legislative development as priority areas. The application of EIs is outlined as a main action complementary to the introduction and enforcement of a required legislative framework. The implementation of selected tools outlined in the developed national strategies will enable the spread of environmental benefits and ensure the sustainability of the project‘s achievements. Finally, the promotion of collaboration between public authorities and enterprises through the enhancement of voluntary commitments and agreements and the promotion of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, through the use of market-based instruments (including environmental taxes and charges), are embodied in the priority actions to be applied in the 6th Environmental Action Programme. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).