BRUSSELS, (TDI): The European Union is holding its first summit with Gulf states on Wednesday as part of its diplomatic efforts to garner international support against Russia.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the 27-member EU has sought to strengthen ties with various regional blocs, including its first summit with ASEAN countries and its first in eight years with the CELAC community of Caribbean and Latin American nations.
The meeting with the six Arab states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aims to deepen strategic relations, acknowledging their influence in conflicts related to Ukraine and the Middle East.
“The Gulf region sits at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa and plays a crucial role in many current crises,” noted a senior EU official.
An EU partnership with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates would encompass areas such as trade and investment, renewable energy, regional security, and issues affecting citizens, including visa policies.
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While Brussels seeks strong language from GCC partners condemning Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, it does not expect full alignment with its position.
The two blocs share closer perspectives on the Middle East, where the EU is advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and broader de-escalation.
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Negotiations for a free trade agreement between the EU and GCC, which began 35 years ago, have been stalled since 2008 due to disagreements over public tender openness and oil products.
However, EU officials expressed optimism about exploring other avenues for trade and investment cooperation.
One of the Gulf states’ requests is for visa liberalization. Currently, UAE citizens can enter the EU without a visa for short stays, while citizens from other Gulf nations must obtain a visa valid for five years.
