Earlier this month, Brussels hosted the first-ever EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, symbolizing the Gulf region’s growing geopolitical relevance on the world stage. Co-chaired by European Council President Charles Michel and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the summit marked a new chapter for EU-GCC relations by formally recognizing the economic, security, and energy interdependence shared by these two vital regions. The leaders signed a declaration for a “strategic partnership for peace and prosperity,” setting the tone for future summits, with the next one planned for Riyadh in 2026. This dialogue represents a promising shift toward a cooperative future, encompassing economic and political aspirations aligned with the modern geopolitical landscape.

Europe and the GCC share a long-standing economic relationship, with the EU emerging as the GCC’s second-largest trading partner. In the past year, trade between these regions reached an impressive $180 billion, emphasizing the strong economic interdependence. The summit led to a joint statement affirming an intention to revive EU-GCC free trade agreement (FTA) talks, which had stalled since 2008. With similar FTA negotiations also ongoing between the UK and the GCC, the Gulf’s economic prominence has clearly captured the West’s interest, leading to renewed efforts for stronger trade ties.

The summit was timely, as the EU’s pivot to Gulf states is motivated by the ongoing energy crisis caused by international sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. With Europe in urgent need of alternative energy sources, Gulf nations have positioned themselves as valuable suppliers. As the EU diversifies its alliances to avoid dependence on any one region, the GCC’s hydrocarbon wealth offers an alternative energy source, easing Europe’s reliance on Russia. Additionally, the summit signifies a potential alignment of political interests, as the EU seeks support from the Gulf in isolating Russia on the global stage. Yet, while Europe hopes to expand........

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